Starting College as a Man?

[Austin Rodgers]

So I am starting college probably next year, fall of 2017 (I plan to take a year off to start T and have top surgery). I am passing now, pre-everything, once I start my journey I hope to pass well. So if anyone has any tips on going to a college, as a totally different person?
Does anyone know of any great, safe, and accepting cities and colleges to go to? I have been looking on campuspride.com but it would be wonderful to actually get insight on someone who actually went there. Thanks!

[invisiblemonsters]

Honestly, once youve been socially transitioned, its no different. I started college this year but ive been done transitioning for almost a year now (hormones, surgery, name change) and it honestly is just the same as it always has been. Colleges are so much more laid back so being yourself is way easier though.

[Austin Rodgers]

I can't wait to finally be able to be myself. Thanks for the input!

[FTMax]

I can't imagine you'd have any issues if you're planning to take a year off to medically transition. If your parents are open to it, I'd encourage you to get your name changed as soon as you're ready, so that you can bypass the whole process of having it changed after you're admitted.

I went to George Mason University in Virginia. Very open and accepting, very active LGBTQ campus groups and on campus resources. If they have academic programs that you're interested in and it seems like a school you'd like to go to, let me know and I can put you in touch with some friendly folks there. I did my Master's at the University of Delaware. I know they have an LGBTQ group on campus, but I was so busy with school and work that I never got too involved.

I honestly don't think you'll have any issues at most schools, especially if you're already looking into how LGBTQ friendly they are. The only thing I would tell you to think about is how out you want to be. The year off on T and top surgery will likely make you able to blend in and pass very well, especially if you're already passing. But if you're living in the dorms or dating, there's a chance that somebody will figure you out or tell other people. Decide how far out you want to be, and then mentally prepare to get pushed further out than that.

[Denise]

I agree with everything said above. 

As a parent of two college graduates I would also suggest that you look at the school from other points as well.  I would look at how much debt you will/may pile up (you don't want $200k of debt walking out of school), what degree am I interested in, does the school have that major.  What part of the country do you want to live in etc.

Eventually, as many other threads mention, eventually your gender will not be a day-to-day issue and you will just be living a normal life.  Choosing a college and a degree can set you on a wonderful path with a little upfront planning.  Think very long term as well as the next 4 to 6 years.