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Have you dreamed about your first day of college or how you would decorate your dorm room for the last year? Many students feel that being away from home for school will be a smooth transition. However, the reality of being away from your family and friends for the first time can be more challenging than you expected. It may take some time to form new relationships, learn how to get around a new city, or get plugged-in on campus.

 

You must know that feelings of isolation and loneliness are typical when you first go to college. Even young adults in their 20s and early 30s can struggle with identity issues and feeling like they don’t belong. Dealing with these types of emotions can leave you struggling to focus, feeling sad, and even losing confidence in your ability to cope.

 

However, making a few small changes in your dorm or schedule can help you feel better and build a community of others who can make the next four years of your life enjoyable. Here are seven strategies you can use to make your new home one that you’ll want to come back to year after year.

1. Bring Home to You

You may not be able to bring your bed or your favorite pet with you to college. However, adding a few items that look, feel, or smell like home can go a long way to making you feel better. Consider creating a photo display of your family, friends, and pets. When you feel sad, take a look at your favorite pictures to lift your spirits. You may also want to bring your favorite blanket, a familiar scented candle, or a few other knick-knacks to help your dorm feel and smell familiar.

 

2. Look for a Job

College is busy. But, if you are living on-campus in a new city, you probably have some free time on the weekends or in the evenings. It may be a good idea to find a part-time job that allows you to get out of the dorm and meet others. Consider staying on campus, so it is easier to survive working while in school. If you excel in a specific subject, you could also offer tutoring services so that you can meet others and easily work around your class schedule.

3. Be Kind to Yourself

Being homesick is expected when you move away from home for the first time, but beating yourself up over missing dear old mom and dad won’t help. Other students are probably feeling the same way, whether they admit or not. So, go easy on yourself and be kind. Here are a few things you can to show yourself some love and kindness:

• Spend time outdoors
• Start a gratitude journal
• Practice mindfulness or meditation

4. Keep in Touch

Today’s tech-savvy world offers more options than ever to stay connected to those you miss. You can download a group text messaging app to chat with your closest friends or a few of your family members all at once. You can also use video calling apps like Skype or FaceTime so that you can see some familiar faces every few days. If you enjoy playing games, you might even want to start a friendly match on Words With Friends with your mom and dad to occupy your downtime.

5. Ask for Help

You have just made a significant life change. Dealing with sadness, loneliness, or worries over your studies can be a lot to take. Most students dealing with homesickness are still active in their lives or feel better after a quick trip home. However, if you start feeling a deep sadness that you just can’t shake, you could be dealing with something more than homesickness.

 

According to the American College Health Assessment Research, about one in every five college students live with anxiety or depression. Depression may cause you to have dark feelings that won’t go away and make you want to escape life. You might feel hopeless, lose interest in activities you once enjoyed, or feel like your emotions are out of control. If you’re feeling this way, you need to talk to your parents, a professor, or your Residence Hall Advisor to find a counselor on campus who can help. Call to get an appointment and speak openly about your feelings so that you can get the treatment you need.

 

6. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing

Making friends as a young adult can be a challenge. However, if you look for creative activities you enjoy, you’ll have a good chance of meeting others who share your common interests. Look for social groups on campus that share some of your passions. You might find one specific to volunteerism, Harry Potter, or creative writing. You can also look for improv groups or meet-ups for people who love painting, pottery, or other forms of art. Finding activities you enjoy can be an excellent way to meet others and stimulate your creativity in the process.

 

7. Stay Healthy

Feeling sad or homesick might decrease your appetite and have chosen foods that don’t require you to walk to the dining hall. You might even think that eating a pint of your favorite ice cream while binge-watching your favorite show will make you feel better. However, it will likely leave you feeling a whole lot worse in the end.

 

Here are a few strategies you can use to stay healthy when away from home:

• Healthy food choices: Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Be sure to drink at least 8 ounces of water each day and stay away from sugary beverages.
• Get some ZZZs: Sleep is critical to your overall wellness. Create a set schedule in which you go to bed and wake up at the same time each day. Try to get eight hours of sleep each night so that you feel rested and ready to take on the day.
• Stay active: Consider finding a yoga class or other exercise class so that you get at least 30 minutes of activity each day. This is also an excellent way to meet others who need some physical fitness too.

Creating a New Home

Venturing out into the world can be scary. However, once you get over the initial shock, you should start to feel at home in your new home. Use these strategies when learning how to navigate your first year of college. Try creating a schedule and environment that reminds you of home but also provides new experiences. And remember that asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of if you need it.