I know people who drive one hour to and fro each day. It isn't ideal but for a lot of cities isn't that a normal commute most days anyway? I just wanted to add that 1 hour drive if it enables you to free up energy for studying instead of dealing with the anxiety of living in res, is worth considering. Res will be there to experience in 2nd year and beyond and I will say that the first year of university is the one with all the biggest changes and stressors. After a year on campus in classes you'll feel more comfortable with everything. Even after the first semester you'll probably feel better.
If you do stay on campus in res, are there any student groups you can join? Getting to know people might help. Just a thought.
yes it is my first year of university. it's just worrisome because when i get very anxious, it tends to shaken me up and makes it difficult for me to eat.. gag reflex etc. which causes a whole other kind of stress worrying about whether i will faint from not eating, become malnourished etc.
Is it your first year of University? I can understand the anxiety and the onset of panic attacks considering a big change in your environment. My suggestion is to make the move into res and see how the semester goes. Driving 1 hr to and from school can cause a whole different stress. And yet, a 1 hr drive is perfect to be able to go home on weekends to be with your family.
Let us know how the first few weeks of school are and how you are adjusting to University life.
I am currently attending University about an hour away from where I live with my family.
I was hoping for the best and decided to live in residence but when I was faced with moving in yesterday I completely panicked. My parents and I moved in some of my things and went home after to think about how we will approach this. I cannot see myself being comfortable with having my family an hour away in the case I have a panic attack, but I feel terribly guilty for making them put their lives on hold and centring their lives around me.
My mother has said she will stay at a family member's house in the city that is about 15-20 minutes away from my residence. I realize she can't do this for the whole school year, she says that the family will do what they have to do.
I can't help feeling like a burden. I suggested the plan of purchasing a car for myself and staying at residence one night a week and gradually increasing my stay as exposure. The car would give me the opportunity to go back home in the event I had a severe panic attack. Parking fees however are terribly expensive and my parents would worry about my safety at night and they feel the expense of the car/residence/insurance/residence is unnecessary and would rather me pick one or the other, residence or commuting from home.
