The first few months of college are already finished, and the class of 2013 are finally coming home for Thanksgiving! For many, this is the first time they’re seeing their friends and family since summer.

Attending college is the first major transition for young adults. College freshman Taylor McIntyre said, “It’s weird because I never would’ve thought that only three months into school I’d feel like I’ve lived here forever.” A freshman at Fairfield, Steffi Vickers agrees and said, “I am pretty adjusted to living away from home now, I have my routines set and I never really got homesick.”

Many WHB alumni left the comfort of a familiar small town and are now living in different parts of the country. Being so far away many are now missing the old things of Westhampton. According to Chris Rothe who attends Colgate, its the little things that you come to miss the most like, “Driving my truck down to the beach, and checking the waves every morning.” The top three things Taylor McIntyre misses are the people, the beach, and New York pizza.

College brings all different type of people together. Steffi Vickers said, “The people at Fairfield are very similar to people in Westhampton, but the people from Massachusetts say wicked all the time.” Chris Rothe said that, “There is a bigger culture of intellectualism at college.  People seem to care about what they are learning about and everyone is thinking not just in terms of grades, but how they can apply their knowledge to real world issues.”

Living away from home and on your own for the first time can bring on all sorts of changes within yourself. Many college students find themselves to be more confident, independent and mature after the first couple weeks of school. Chris explained, “Living in such close quarters with such a diverse group of people, you learn to become both more accepting and patient. I’ve definitely gained a stronger tolerance for certain people.”

College is all about finding the perfect balance between your social life and schoolwork. The first couple months can be the toughest to adjust to but these WHB alumni have successfully survived. Be sure to welcome them all home over Thanksgiving break!