There is nothing quite like the feeling that you are living in the middle of a hilarious, heart-warming sitcom; a loud group of friends and roommates lounging about on a giant sofa; the smell of delicious brownies coming from the newly-mounted oven; the thought that even though you are sitting alone working in your room that you can hear happy faint chatter coming from the main room.
There is a comfortable warmth radiating from the living room of the apartment my friends and I have just moved into before the start of the new academic year. They are watching cartoons, and I know this because they are gasping hard after laughing for a few minutes straight. It took me at least an entire quarter before I managed to feel like I was in a new home last year— moving from a completely different city and meeting new people that I was never sure I would get used to. The level of comfort has made all the difference in how long it took for me to adjust to college life again. This time is different in so many ways. This time I am ready for the hectic nature of the class schedule, the distance from my family and friends, and the inevitable week that I’ll drop like a fly due to some stress-related illness.
I have become acquainted with the campus and village to the point that I am sure I could navigate every part blindfolded. I have even learned the best times to call my parents for help, and when I need to step up and recognize that I can solve my not-so-complex apartment problem. I have now been living in the place that I have been wanting to for the longest time — near campus, with other students and with people that will be an extension of my family for the next year, that I am so excited to come home to.
Welcome to the brand new academic year. There are so many ways to develop yourself and find more ways to love where you are and the opportunities that you have in front of you. I wish you the best of luck!