Colonel's Cadence Blog
Tips for Living Away from Home as a Student
The early days of living at a boarding school in Virginia can be intimidating. Immersed in a new living environment with unfamiliar instructors and peers, many new cadets feel homesick during the first few weeks. Fortunately, acclimating can help you develop a greater sense of independence and connection to your new environment. Let’s discuss tips new boarding school students can implement to help them adjust.
Virginia students and their families interested in a military school near them that incorporates elements of a traditional boarding school culture can look to Massanutten Military Academy. Our premier institution boasts a 125-year history of developing young men and women into confident, educated individuals. Learn more about our academy and request an application for Fall enrollment by calling (540) 459-2167 today!
Below, we offer advice for young men and women living away from home for the first time:
Ask Questions
Despite their confusion or loneliness, some first-year boarding cadets keep their heads down and remain quiet. They may do so for many reasons, such as social anxiety, shyness, or fears of receiving criticism or taunts.
Nevertheless, those same cadets may be shocked to learn their boarding school classmates are having a similar experience. Therefore, the best way to forge a place in the new community is to put oneself out there and ask questions. Consider scheduling an appointment with a guidance counselor, asking teachers questions after class, or speaking to senior cadets.
Build a Circle of Friends & Peers
Making friends happens organically as you interact with others in your class. Sometimes, meeting cadets with shared backgrounds and enthusiasms takes a little time. When you arrive on campus, consider joining extracurricular clubs that spark your interests. Such involvements will connect you with similarly interested classmates.
You should also attend school-sponsored events such as dances, games, and gatherings. Interacting with like-minded people following the same educational path will help you develop a sense of community.
Practice Healthy Habits
When cadets live at home, their parents or guardians often nudge them to brush their teeth, comb their hair, or eat a nutritious breakfast. But those guardrails aren’t present at boarding schools.
Indeed, the boarding school experience involves instilling a sense of independence. Many teenagers new to such institutions struggle with maintaining and expanding healthy habits. So, rather than let your health, hygiene, and demeanor decline, consider the following:
- Drink plenty of water
- Eat healthy, regular meals
- Practice good hygiene
- Always get a full night’s sleep
- Seek medical attention when necessary
Also, learn a few school stress-management skills, such as practicing mindful meditation, scheduling alone time, taking long walks, or reading a good book. If you struggle with stress and anxiety, reach out to a counselor or support group.
Always Be Yourself
Humans have an almost innate pattern of adjusting our behavior and persona to fit in with a given group. This facet of our DNA can be a positive in many cases, but developing lasting friendships and defining your place at boarding school requires authenticity.
Many of your peers have had similar experiences and they, too, are worried about being accepted. Try not to overthink whether or not to join a club or participate in daily interactions. By relaxing, letting your guard down, and putting your core self forward, others in your orbit will likely respect your courage.
Tour an Acclaimed Military Boarding School in Virginia Today!
Enrolling in a Virginia boarding school can transform a student’s academic achievements and inspire self-confidence. At Massanutten Military Academy near Harrisonburg, VA, we equip cadets with the tools necessary to develop self-confidence, overcome challenges, and prepare youths for the path ahead. Learn how your student can thrive at our institution by calling (540) 459-2167 today.You know your child can do more but is not getting the attention needed in their current environment to reach their full potential. We know that choosing the right school for your child can be difficult because each child is so unique. We believe students should experience school as it should be, a place where children are educated in an environment that leads them to thrive and encourages their maximum potential.
Massanutten Military Academy is a co-educational, non-profit military boarding and day school in Virginia for students in 8th-12th grades with postgraduate studies. We welcome all faiths and live by our motto: Non Nobis Solum (Not For Ourselves Alone).
Massanutten Military Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school administered programs.
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