When I moved away from home, I had a really, really emotional time. I'm very close to my family and I was used to having them there every day to talk to. I never really felt lonely until I moved away from them.

I cried a lot because I missed my sister and father, and I never knew what to do with myself. With time, though, I got used to being by myself and living on my own.

Now, I almost prefer it. But I am still extremely close to my family.

All these stories make me glad that I'm getting a single dorm when I go to college.

Avoid alcohol at all costs in your first year. Make sure that you do not give into peer pressure, don't stay up at night and make sure you do your homework ahead of time.

This is wise advice..but if you want to have fun your freshman year, please do the opposite of everything Vivi has said(even if said in jest).

You know, having fun without alcohol is possible.

Though I'm gonna have to disagree with all that other stuff Vivi said, as it does sound rather boring. Though to be honest, I have ROTC stuff that I'll be doing all the time. Somebody has to make C/Lt. Col....

I don't think many people would mind if you don't actually drink alcohol, especially if your religious beliefs tell you not to. However when a non religious person say that they don't drink...well... they do get a few weird looks.

I know people up here in uni that practically go out every night get wasted and whatnot. To be honest I couldn't manage that even if I wanted to. I'd say besides your first weeks at uni, drink whatever you usually drink when back at home going out with your mates :)

No need to get slaughtered every single night of the week :p

Living in a dorm? Best advice I have for you is this. LOCK YOUR DOOR, ESPECIALLY ON "BAR NIGHTS" (This means, but not limited to, Wed, Fri, Sat, and nights preceeding school days off). Cause drunks + unlocked door = trouble. Something's gonna go missing, and most likely it'll be your food, especially if it's home cooked.

if you do the opposite, you'd end up stressing when it comes to the exams and if you've failed the coursework component you have to resit the year. i don't stay up late or drink but i still have fun with other activities such as sports, music, societies etc. the whole concept of university is to improve yourself and if you're living away, it's about discovering yourself in a way.

avoiding alcohol has its benefits, you save money. one student at cambridge told us the following:
- don't ever get a credit card while a student
- if you can survive on cheap pasta for 3-4 years, do it
- if you get pissed after one pint of beer, stay like that