Going to college on the mainland
It’s an exciting decision to go to school on the Mainland. Not only are you going to be living on your own, you’ll be experiencing and absorbing life through a different lens. Here are some things to plan for:
1) The Weather
One of the main differences of life on the Mainland compared to Hawai‘i is the weather. Temperature and humidity will vary depending on what part of the continent you choose, but one thing is for sure: “sweater weather” is a real thing. Research the types of conditions to expect in summer and winter especially. From blizzards to heat waves, you’ll experience climates completely different from home.
It’s no myth: weather may affect your physical and emotional health. Allergies, natural threats such as tornadoes, and the winter blues are real. Rather than wallowing in the ways your new environment is unlike home, seek out ways to enjoy it. What activities are unique to this area? Sometimes the most memorable experiences come from not having any expectations at all.
2) The Food
Like weather, this will vary depending which state and city you end up in. Big cities may have as much (or more) diversity in cuisine, whereas small towns may be very limited. The key, again, is to do some research so you have an idea of what to expect and how to adjust. Similar to tourists visiting Hawai‘i and tasting our local foods for the first time, you’ll get to experience and appreciate other people’s cultures through their food.
To combat homesickness, stash local snacks such as hurricane popcorn or li hing mui dried mango. Have a spam-musubi-making party via FaceTime with friends back at home or with your new classmates. Request care packages of local seasonings and mixes such as Loco Moco gravy sauce, Japanese curry, or haupia. College is about exploring and food is definitely a learning experience for you and those who you’ll meet along the way.
3) Culture Shock
Expect different sounds, colors, and smells. There may be accents or languages you haven’t heard, and don’t be surprised when you’re told that you have an accent yourself! There may be more ethnic diversity, or much less. It may take some getting used to, but different doesn’t mean bad. Take this time in college as an opportunity to meet new people from all different backgrounds and cultures. If you still don’t feel adjusted to your new college life, and it’s affecting your ability to socialize or keep up with your schoolwork, reach out to your college counselor for support. There are also many clubs or social groups (many colleges on the Mainland have a “Hawai‘i Club”) that will offer the support that you need to feel more a part of the college community.
4) Freedom
The thread that will bond you and every new college student within your school is that you all will have complete freedom to do whatever you’d like to do (for the most part) while in college. Want to binge watch Disney+ until the wee hours of the morning when you have an 8:00 a.m. Philosophy class the following day? You can. Feel like taking a road trip with your roommates on the weekend? You can. Just be prepared to also accept the consequences that come with it. It’s all part of becoming an adult. It’s an exhilarating time to be independent so revel in it! College is just as much about academics as it is about making decisions and having the freedom to navigate the world on your own.
5) More Responsibilities
Increased freedom comes with increased responsibility. This includes (but is not limited to):
Knowing when and how to study
Getting to class and completing your assignments on time
Budgeting money
Taking the time to eat and sleep
Not overcommitting – this leads to burnout
Nervous? Scared? Excited? Happy? All the feels? Probably. It’s a normal part of any big life decision. Savor every experience; when you bring them back home to Hawaii you’ll make our islands that much more special.