Moving to a new place is a scary experience. Moving alone is even more daunting, but every college freshman experiences this, whether it be flying in from across the world, or moving into a dorm ten miles from your house. Here are a few ways to make college feel like home:
1. Decorate.
Your dorm should be a place you feel at home in, so hang up pictures of your best friends, stock up on comfort food, and bring your favorite stuffed animal.
2. Call home.
Check in with your friends and family whenever you need to hear a familiar voice, and let your loved ones know how you're doing from time to time. Tell them you miss them. They're definitely missing you.
3. Make new friends.
Culture shock, homesickness, and introversion might put making friends at the bottom of your list, but trust me, college is much better when you’re not alone. Literally everyone wants to make friends, so just ask that random person you met during Welcome Week to have dinner, grab boba, or check out a club meeting with you.
4. Find your niche.
Sign up for the e-mail list for every club you're slightly interested in. Chances are you'll find a new family in one of these communities.
5. Know your surroundings.
Find a hidden study spot, the best coffee shop on campus, and don't be intimidated by the gym! And don't forget to leave campus sometimes and explore the city. After all, this is your home for at least the next four years. By the time you graduate, people might even think you're a local!