How to Cope With a Sibling Leaving for College

PDF download Download Article
PDF download Download Article

Dorm rooms, textbooks, and finals—oh my! Your sibling is heading off to college and learning how to live on their own, which can be both scary and exciting. But what about your feelings? You’re dealing with some major changes, too. With all the attention on your sibling, it can feel like you’re getting left behind. But don’t worry. There are plenty of ways you can stay in touch and keep yourself busy so you can cope with your feelings.

1

Help them move into their dorm to keep yourself busy.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/38\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Moving into a dorm takes a lot of work and you can really make a difference by helping your sibling with the moving process. Unload boxes, help them set up their stuff, and decorate the space with them. Plus, by keeping yourself busy, you won’t have time to feel sad or upset. [1]
    • It’s also important to be respectful of your sibling’s wishes. If they want to do something on their own, don’t try to force your way in.
    2. Advertisement
2

Make plans to see each other during holidays and vacations.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    While you may not be able to see your sibling every day or every weekend, they’ll have breaks and vacations throughout the year where they can come back home. Think about fun things you can do together and make plans with your sibling for when they do visit home. [2]
    • For instance, you can find out what movies are coming out in the winter so you can make plans to go to the theaters with your sibling when they visit home for Christmas break.
3

Schedule regular calls to stay in touch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-3-Version-4.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-3-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Staying in touch can get tricky when your sibling moves out for college. You have your life at home and school, and your sibling is getting adjusted to their new life at college. One simple solution is to schedule a time for you to call your sibling so both you and they can plan around it. [3]
    • For example, you could set Sunday afternoon at 3 p.m. as a regular weekly call with your sibling.
    • You aren’t limited to just calls and texts! You can use apps or programs such as Skype, Zoom, or Facetime to video call your sibling and see them when you talk to them. [4]
    • Texts are super easy to send and you won’t really disturb or disrupt their day. Send them a funny meme that you think they’ll like. Tell them about something crazy that happened to you. Stay connected through short messages that let them know you’re thinking of them. [5]
    2. Advertisement
4

Put up pictures of your sibling in your room.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/21\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-4-Version-4.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-4-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Find photos of your sibling that you like or take some new ones with them. Print them out or use a photo printing service at your local pharmacy. You can also order prints online from sites like Shutterstock. Frame the photos and hang them up in your room so you can see their face every day. [6]
    • You could also use a digital photo frame, which cycles through multiple photos that you upload to it.
5

Talk to your parents when you’re missing your sibling.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-5-Version-4.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-5-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your parents miss your sibling too. If you’re feeling especially down or you’re just thinking about your sibling a lot, try mentioning it to your parents. You can talk about how much you love and miss your sibling and it may make you feel better. [7]
    • If you’re feeling really depressed and sad, talk to a therapist or counselor. They can give you tools that can help you cope with your feelings.
    2. Advertisement
6

Send them a gift that reminds them of home.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/89\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-6-Version-2.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-6-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Who doesn’t love getting a surprise gift? Find some local goodies that you know they’ll love as well as some of their favorite treats. Package them up and ship them to your sibling’s college address. Don’t tell them a package is coming so they’ll be extra surprised when they open it. [8]
    • For instance, if your hometown is famous for its strawberry jam or your sibling enjoys a special brand of coffee, you could send it to them to brighten their day and let them know you’re thinking of them.
7

Get excited about your future college plans.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-7-Version-2.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-7-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    When your sibling goes away to college, you’re actually really lucky. You get a chance to see what’s potentially in store for you. That can make you even more prepared for the experience than your sibling was. Think about how exciting it’ll be when you get your chance to go away as well. It may make you feel a little better about your sibling leaving. [9]
    2. Advertisement
8

Get involved in new activities to keep yourself occupied.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-8-Version-2.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-8-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Join a new club or volunteer at a local charity. Try out a new sport or start reading a new series of books. Find activities that you enjoy so can have some fun and keep yourself occupied, which can help stop you from feeling sad or lonely.
9

Embrace your new role in the family dynamic.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/ff\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-9-Version-2.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-9-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Take on more responsibility around your home and ask your parents if they need help with any household chores. If you have younger siblings, try getting closer to them so they have someone to talk to and look up to. With your sibling gone to college, now is a great time for you to step up and help fill the void they’ve left behind. [10]
    2. Advertisement
10

Focus on the positive changes of your sibling being gone.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4f\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-10-Version-2.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-10-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You don’t have anybody you have to share a bathroom with or fight over a remote with. Your parents will have more time and attention to give to you. When your sibling moves out, there are also a lot of benefits and positive changes that you can enjoy. Try to enjoy them! [11]
11

Set up your room if you’re getting a new one.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-11-Version-2.jpg\/aid172981-v4-728px-Cope-With-a-Sibling-Leaving-for-College-Step-11-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you shared a room with your sibling, or if you get to have their bedroom when they move out, think of all the possibilities! You’ll have some extra space and privacy. Take some time to decorate and arrange the room just the way you like it. [12]
    2. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Remember that your sibling is also dealing with a lot of new changes. Try not to overwhelm them with calls and texts.
        Thanks
        Helpful 26 Not Helpful 8
      • Texts are always a safe bet because they can check the message and respond whenever they get a chance.
        Thanks
        Helpful 25 Not Helpful 2
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      • If you’re feeling depressed, try talking to your parents, a counselor, or a therapist to get some help.
        Thanks
        Helpful 28 Not Helpful 8


      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      100 Funny, Clean, & Creative Lines to Roast Your Brother
      How to
      Get Revenge on Your Siblings
      How to
      Deal with Your Annoying Brother
      How to
      Get Under Your Bro’s Skin (Whether He’s Older or Younger)
      How to
      Deal with a Little Sister Who Won’t Stop Bothering You
      How to
      Annoy Your Siblings
      How to
      Deal with a Hurtful or Mean Sister
      How to
      Handle a Jealous Sibling
      How to
      Live with a Sibling You Dislike
      How to
      Contact Half Siblings Who Do Not Know About You
      How to
      Scare Your Little Sister
      How to
      Be a Responsible Eldest Sister
      How to
      Stop Your Older Brother from Annoying You
      How to
      Keep Annoying Family Members out of Your Room
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/sibling-going-to-college/
      2. ↑ https://www.mymovingreviews.com/move/sibling-going-to-college/
      3. ↑ https://www.girlslife.com/life/family/34034/is-your-older-sibling-leaving-home-heres-how-to-cope
      4. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/how-to-cope-with-siblings-moving-away-1.2116762
      5. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/how-to-cope-with-siblings-moving-away-1.2116762
      6. ↑ https://www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/parenting-issues-tips/helping-kids-cope-when-a-sibling-moves-out-of-the-home/
      7. ↑ https://www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/parenting-issues-tips/helping-kids-cope-when-a-sibling-moves-out-of-the-home/
      8. ↑ https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/how-to-cope-with-siblings-moving-away-1.2116762
      9. ↑ https://www.metroparent.com/daily/parenting/parenting-issues-tips/helping-kids-cope-when-a-sibling-moves-out-of-the-home/
      1. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/sep/28/when-a-child-leaves-the-nest
      2. ↑ https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/2017-03-02/how-to-help-a-child-cope-with-an-older-sibling-going-to-college
      3. ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/sep/28/when-a-child-leaves-the-nest

      About This Article

      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 135,566 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Madison Brickley

        Sep 16, 2017

        "My sister is in college, & I miss her a lot. We usually visit her, & she'd visit us, but when ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement