How to Stay Close to Your Family While Away at College

If you go to college far from home, you may worry about staying in touch with your family. You are excited to finally be in college, but you are anxious about being away from your parents and siblings and you wonder how you will stay connected and maintain a close relationship with them. There are a few basic means of communication you can use to ensure you stay close to your family.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access
• Web cam
• Skype, iChat, AIM, or other video chat software
• Cell phone with texting plan
• Facebook

1. 
    

   Video Chat. Invest in a webcam for yourself and your parents. Set up screen names for your parents on AIM or iChat if you they do not have them already. Also, consider getting Skype (skype.com), which is free and simple to use for video chat. Your family will love video chatting with you, and it will be comforting for you to see their familiar faces.

2. 
    

   Email. It is a lot faster and easier to shoot a quick email than call someone. Email your parents or siblings frequently inquiring about their lives. This way, you stay up to date with the happenings of their lives without having to miss a beat in yours.

3. 
    

   Texting. Now is the time to convince your parents to pay for an unlimited texting plan if you do not already have one. Also, teach them how to text. Texting is often much easier and more convenient than calling. You can text your parents while walking to class, or while waiting for a lecture to begin. It's fast, easy, and lets you avoid long, sometimes awkward phone calls.

4. Phone dates. You are going to be very busy in college with classes and friends, and your family is going to be very busy at home. In order to avoid endless phone tag, set aside a specific day and time with your parents or siblings to talk to them on the phone. Sunday nights often work well. You will likely be studying or doing homework and a phone call will allow for a nice study break while providing something to look forward to.

5. 
    

   Letters. Although the written letter is somewhat of a lost art form, your siblings (especially if they are younger) will enjoy getting mail. Also, it is always exciting to see an envelope or package slip in your mailbox at school.

6. 
    

   Facebook. It seems like just about everyone is on Facebook, including, possibly, your parents and siblings. You probably check your Facebook at least once a day, so it is an easy and effective means of communication.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not spend too much time communicating with your family; you need to have a life too. Do not, however, ignore your family either. Strike a happy medium.