When I first found out I was going to Amherst College, I was over the moon — but also terrified.See, I had never traveled alone before. Actually, I had never even been on a plane. Growing up in a low-income, first-generation household in rural California, vacations were rare. And when we did go somewhere, it was always by car — hours of driving, never flying. So, when it was time to move across the country to Amherst, Massachusetts for my first year of college, it was a huge first for me. No parents coming with me. No experience with airports. Just me, my suitcase, and a dream. A few people from the 2029 QuestBridge cohort later asked me about it — how I handled everything, what it was like traveling alone for the first time — so I thought I’d write it all out here for anyone else who might be feeling a little nervous. If you’ve never flown before, or you’ll be traveling solo for move-in day, this one’s for you.
1. Over the Summer: Look Out for Your Amherst PO Box Info!
Sometime during the summer before you arrive, you’ll get an email from Amherst College telling you what your Post Office Box (PO Box) number is.
This is super important because you can start shipping things to campus before you even get there!
Here’s what I suggest:
- Mail things from your house to your PO Box before you leave.
- Order supplies online and ship them straight to your Amherst PO Box.
Try to time it so that your packages arrive a day or two before or after your move-in day. (It’s okay if it’s not perfect — Amherst’s mailroom holds packages for a little while. But I suggest timing it. ) And don’t worry if you forget anything. Amherst is near stores like Target, CVS, & Walmart if you need to buy last-minute things!
2. Packing: Bring Only What You Really Need
When traveling by plane, packing smart is everything. Here’s what helped me:
- One big suitcase (checked bag)
- One carry-on bag (small suitcase or duffel bag)
- One personal item (like a backpack)
Tip: Try to only bring what you know you’ll need right away. Shipping stuff ahead really helps you avoid lugging around heavy bags through the airport.
3. The Flight Process: Breaking It Down for First-Time Flyers
The first time you walk into an airport, it feels overwhelming.
Here’s what you can expect, step-by-step:
A. Before You Go:
- Real ID: If you’re flying domestically (like from California to Massachusetts), you need a Real ID or a valid passport. A Real ID looks like a regular driver’s license but has a little gold star on it. If you don’t have one yet, go to the DMV early — it can take a while to get.
- Packing Rules:
- Carry-On Bag: You can’t bring liquids over 3.4 ounces (like shampoo bottles) unless you buy them after security.
- Checked Bag: You can pack bigger liquids here. Just make sure nothing valuable is in this bag because it gets tossed around a lot.
B. At the Airport:
- Check-In: Go to the airline counter, show your ID, and drop off your big suitcase if you’re checking one.
- Security Checkpoint:
- Show your ID and boarding pass.
- Take off your shoes, belt, and anything metal.
- Put your bags on a conveyor belt to be scanned.
- Walk through a scanner yourself. (Tip: It’s not scary — just follow the signs and the TSA officers’ directions.)
- Find Your Gate: Your boarding pass will tell you your gate number. Follow the airport signs! (If you are scared about “getting lost,” don’t be. JUST LOOK AT THE SIGNS!!! It is literally common sense.)
- Boarding the Plane:
- Listen for your group/row to be called.
- Find your seat, put your carry-on in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you, and buckle up.
- It’s normal for your ears to pop during takeoff — chew gum or yawn to help!
C. Landing:
Once you land at the Boston (Logan) or Hartford (Bradley) airport, you’ll grab your checked bag from baggage claim (just follow the airport signs), and then head toward ground transportation.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Amherst was one of the bravest things I’ve ever done. Coming from a background where traveling wasn’t something we could afford — and doing it all alone — was scary, but it taught me how strong and capable I really am. If you’re feeling nervous about your first flight, just know: you’re not alone. You’re stepping into something bigger, and you’re going to be okay. You’ve got this — and I promise, it’s worth it.
See you on campus.