Moving away to college is an exciting time, but it’s a big change, and it’s often the first time people have to take care of themselves entirely and navigate true adulthood. While adjusting can feel quite overwhelming, here are eight ways to make college your home away from home and create a sense of belonging in your new environment.
Bring Comfort From Home
While it is essential to pack carefully for university, as your new dorm is likely smaller than your room at home, there is space for a few small keepsakes. Make your living space comfortable for you with decorations or other elements that make you feel at home. Whether that’s a childhood favorite toy, a favorite scent or a memory board of pictures and small tokens from home, these keepsakes can still allow you to have a piece of home with you.
Build a Support System
Start building connections with your roommates, suite mates, resident assistants (RAs), professors and classmates. These are the easiest ways to meet new people. At first, it can definitely feel scary to put yourself out there and think that hometown friends may be your only friends. However, university is the perfect time to continue growing your circle, meet new people and even meet possible lifelong best friends (because I know I did!). A simple introduction goes a long way!
Get Involved in Clubs and Activities
Start exploring clubs and organizations you might be interested in joining. Many universities host club fairs where you can meet a variety of student organizations and learn about what they do. These clubs often have structured events and socials to meet new people, and academic clubs can also offer professional opportunities. This makes you feel more connected with the campus community and your new home. Many women also choose to join sorority life as these organizations help you get to know the campus and build a sisterhood with like-minded girls.
Establish a Routine
As you start classes and get involved in extracurricular activities, it’s essential to create a routine, whether it’s a morning run before classes, Sunday self-care, a chore list or eating a healthy breakfast. A big part of homesickness is being away from things you are comfortable with and being in the unknown. Organizing your calendar can help you stay motivated, get out of your dorm, explore campus, meet new people and make campus feel like home!
Stay in Touch with Family and Friends
While meeting new people and establishing new routines, remember to stay in touch with family and friends, whether it’s through a call or text, schedule time to do so. It makes a big difference to feel still connected to home and gain comfort from loved ones, while also starting to build a life for yourself in other ways, independent of the people you grew up with. University serves as the “training wheels” for adulthood, where it is essential to have the support of loved ones while gradually learning to take care of yourself and explore who you are.
Cook or Order Food that Feels Comforting
Having to figure out meals in college can be quite a transition if you have grown up eating home-cooked food, and dining hall food can taste very different from a meal your parent or guardian may have made. If you have a kitchen, this is a great way to learn some family recipes and cook food that brings you comfort. If you don’t, you can explore the campus and the surrounding city for eats that remind you of home. Food is a great way to stay connected to your roots and provides comfort when you may feel homesick. Bonus points if you invite a new friend to join you for a meal!
Explore Campus and Surrounding Areas
By exploring campus and the area that surrounds it, it opens you up to finding new comfort spots or making new traditions. Find your weekly coffee at the campus coffee shop. Take a trip to a farmer’s market. Grab a blanket and study on the quad. College is a great way to embark on new adventures and discover places that feel familiar and comfortable.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Going to college is a big jump, so don’t feel like you need to have it all figured out. Be patient and allow yourself to grow in your new environment. College is all about exploration and making mistakes and learning from them, so don’t be afraid to try and figure out what works for you.
College can feel like a lot at first, but if you allow yourself, it can truly feel like home. It is essential to take it one day at a time, and if you put in the effort. Take it from a senior who is about to graduate and has loved every single second of her college experience. It is one of the most rewarding times of your life.
