Moving away from home isn’t easy; especially when you’re going from living with your family to being completely independent in an instant. Surprisingly, this is one of the numerous things that many people don’t talk about when in college, but it’s something that should be addressed. Now personally, I am one of those people that can’t stand change, so adjusting to the college lifestyle was very difficult for me. However, with a little trial and error, I was able to create a routine that has since helped me adjust into college. Here are a couple tips that can help:
- Frequently call your loved ones
When I first came to Christopher Newport University, I was a dysfunctional mess. I didn’t know what type of clothing could go in the dryer, what medication I was allowed to take together, or even how to properly put bed sheets on my bed. On days where I found myself struggling with these things, I would just call my mom. It had gotten to the point where I would call her at least 10+ times a day. However, I started noticing that everytime I called her, I felt more comfortable in the space I was in. That’s why it’s always important to frequently call your parents, significant other or a close friend, because it makes you feel less susceptible to change and less alone.
- Decorate for Comfort
Coming to CNU and having my first dorm, I didn’t know how to react. I felt that I was trapped between trying to make this place a home and wanting to desperately go back home. In order to make the dorm feel more homey, I decided to bring some important things with me that instantly remind me of home. These could be things such as stuffed animals, pictures of family and friends, items relating to hobbies and decorations. One of the biggest ways to make you feel comfortable in the space you are in is to love the space and make it your own.
- Find Healthy Coping Mechanisms
When you’re trying to cope with the idea of being away from home, it’s important to find healthy coping mechanisms that you can carry with you throughout your college years. When I was struggling with being away from home, I would take long walks around campus to help clear my head and try to spend more time with my closest friends, as they would always bring a smile to my face. If these ideas don’t seem appealing to you, focusing on things such as your hobbies, clubs / organizations or watching Netflix are also great ways to cope.
College is an adjustment that can be difficult. If you are still struggling with being away from your family, the counseling office is a great place to go. Make an appointment and talk to them about how you feel. This period of change might be big, but you will not feel this way forever. Make sure you are enjoying the time you have and I hope everything works out!
