If you’re preparing to move out of home and into student accommodation in the next month or so, then you might also be thinking about saying goodbye to friends, family and acquaintances that you’ve known for years. Of course there will be the opportunity to come back and visit, whether that be at weekends or during the holidays, but it’s going to be a big adjustment! Here’s some advice for saying your goodbyes…
Make plenty of plans
Moving out is a big deal, and you should be really proud of yourself as you prepare to move into your new home and into a new chapter of your life. It can be scary, and one way to distract yourself from the actual goodbyes is to make fun plans with the people you’re “leaving behind”. Whether it’s brunch, a cinema trip, doing an escape room or last-minute uni shopping, rather than just popping round to say goodbye, make a plan to actually spend some quality time together. This means you’re creating lasting memories before you transition into a new period of your life!
Throw a themed party
If you have a big group of people to say goodbye to, like your school or college friends for example, then why not have a party? This could be a nice garden party or BBQ, or a classic house party! With this being a goodbye party, you could also theme it – like a back to school party, with everyone in uniform and cocktails themed around different subjects, or a ‘dress as your next era’ party with everyone in fancy dress linked to whatever they’re studying next or the job they’re going into. The photos will be so much fun to look back on.
Take plenty of photos
And speaking of, make sure you take (and print) plenty of photographs – not just at your hypothetical leaving party, but of all your friends, family and loved ones. Print old photos too, and just make sure you have plenty of physical mementos of time spent with your favourite people. Having them printed out means you can display some of them in frames on your desk, bedside table or windowsill; the rest can be stored in a nice box, album or folder, ready for you to flick through if you’re feeling homesick or lonely at any point.
Don’t get too upset
Of course, saying goodbye is emotional. But remember, this is simply a see you later! Yes you’re moving to a new city, and embarking on a new chapter in your life, but with social media at our fingertips it’s easier than ever to keep in touch with loved ones back home. Make future plans, set up group chats, and let your pals know that they’re not getting rid of you too easily…
All in all, saying goodbye can be a difficult process – but by making new memories with your loved ones, taking plenty of photos to look back on and planning ways to stay in touch, you can make it feel a little bit easier. As you head off to uni, where you’ll make plenty of new friends, you’ll be leaving safe in the knowledge that you are so loved by the people you’re moving away from.
