Buzz
From dorms to textbooks, and the looming threat of finals—college life is a whirlwind! Your sibling is stepping into this new chapter, learning how to be independent. While it's a thrilling and sometimes intimidating experience for them, you may also be feeling a range of emotions. You're facing your own set of changes too. With so much focus on your sibling, it might feel like you're being left behind. But don't worry, there are many ways to stay connected and keep yourself engaged so you can navigate these feelings too.
Steps
Assist them with moving into their dorm to keep yourself occupied.
Make the transition easier by keeping your mind busy. Helping your sibling move into their dorm can be an excellent way to stay engaged and contribute to their transition. Unpacking boxes, organizing their belongings, and even adding personal touches to their new space can make a big difference. Plus, staying busy will help take your mind off the emotional adjustment.
- Remember, it's important to respect your sibling's boundaries. If they prefer to handle something solo, be supportive and give them space to do so.
Make arrangements to catch up during holidays and vacations.
Plan a memorable summer or holiday break. Although you might not be able to see your sibling every day or weekend, they’ll have breaks during the year when they can come home. Think about exciting activities to do together and make plans for when they’re back.
- For example, you could look up the upcoming movies for winter and plan a trip to the theater with your sibling during their Christmas break.
Set up regular calls to stay connected.
Leverage technology to bridge the distance. Staying in touch with your sibling after they leave for college can be challenging. You’ve got your life at home, and they’re adjusting to their new college routine. A great way to stay connected is to pick a specific time to chat, so both of you can plan accordingly.
- For example, you could make Sunday afternoons at 3 p.m. your regular call time.
- But don’t limit yourself to just calls! You can use platforms like Skype, Zoom, or FaceTime to have video calls and actually see each other while you talk.
- Texts are another easy way to stay in touch. You can send a quick funny meme, tell them about something amusing that happened to you, or just check in with a simple message letting them know you're thinking of them.
Decorate your room with photos of your sibling.
Seeing your sibling can help ease the pain of their absence. Gather photos of your sibling that you cherish, or take some new pictures with them. Print them out through a local pharmacy’s photo service or order prints online from websites like Shutterstock. Frame these photos and hang them up in your room, so you can see their face every day.
- If you prefer something more dynamic, consider using a digital photo frame, which will rotate through multiple pictures that you upload.
Talk to your parents when you’re missing your sibling.
Don’t hesitate to seek support if you’re feeling down. Your parents are probably missing your sibling too. If you’re feeling particularly low or constantly thinking about your sibling, share those feelings with your parents. Talking about how much you love and miss them can sometimes help ease the sadness.
- If you’re feeling overwhelmed with sadness, it might be helpful to reach out to a therapist or counselor. They can offer guidance and coping strategies for dealing with your emotions.
Send them a thoughtful gift that reminds them of home.
Surprise them with a little treat from home. Who doesn’t enjoy a surprise gift? Pick out some local specialties or their favorite snacks that you know they’ll appreciate. Package them up and ship them to your sibling’s college address. Keep it a secret so they’ll be pleasantly surprised when the package arrives.
- For example, if your hometown is famous for its strawberry jam or your sibling loves a particular brand of coffee, sending these little touches of home can brighten their day and remind them you’re thinking of them.
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Take the QuizExplore More QuizzesGet excited about your upcoming college journey.
You get a sneak peek into your own future. When your sibling heads off to college, you’re actually in a fortunate position. You get to see what lies ahead for you, and that experience can help you feel more prepared than your sibling might have been. Just think of how thrilling it will be when it’s your turn to leave for college. This perspective might help ease some of the sadness about their departure.
Engage in new activities to keep yourself busy.
Stay engaged to keep your mind off the change. Consider joining a club, volunteering for a cause, trying a new sport, or diving into a book series you’ve been curious about. Discovering new hobbies will help keep you entertained and distracted, preventing you from feeling isolated or down.
Adapt to your new role in the family.
Fill the gap left by your sibling. Take on more household responsibilities and offer to help your parents with chores. If you have younger siblings, use this time to bond with them and be there for them. With your sibling off at college, it's the perfect opportunity for you to step up and help fill the void they’ve left behind.
Focus on the positive aspects of your sibling being away.
There are actually many perks when your sibling leaves for college. You don’t have to share a bathroom or fight over the remote anymore. Your parents will have more time and attention for you. When your sibling moves out, there’s a lot of space for you to enjoy—embrace these changes and make the most of them!
Organize your room if you’re getting a new one.
Make the room your own. If you shared a room with your sibling, or if you’re inheriting their room after they leave, think of all the new possibilities! With extra space and more privacy, take the time to decorate and set up your room exactly how you want it.
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Keep in mind that your sibling is also adjusting to a lot of new changes. Avoid overwhelming them with too many calls or messages.
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Texts are a great option since they can read and reply when they have time.
Important Notes
- If you’re feeling down or struggling emotionally, reach out to your parents, a counselor, or a therapist for support and guidance.
