Moving to a new city can be difficult. You are immersed in an unfamiliar space, trying to get used to the new environment. I have gone through this experience, and every year of a new semester, the cycle continues again. This is my third year living in Ottawa, however, it is my first year living outside the Carleton University campus. It was a big adjustment, as I only completed my co-op experience, where I was home for a year. Therefore, some friends have graduated, or they have stayed with me on this journey. I lived in the unknown about what was happening in my educational life while being in the working world. It can be hard to realize you are missing potential moments and memories you could have made, however, what about the memories I will be making now?
So you can say I have some experience with living farther way from home, but it does not mean I didn’t find my way around the city of Ottawa, ON.
My experience as a Carleton student, beginning my university experience in the year 2020, the pandemic year, it was very different. I was at home because it did not make sense to move to Ottawa with classes being fully online. I was immersed in new content in my program, however, there was a lack of connection throughout this year. It was a drastic change from going from in-person classes, to travelling to a new environment and starting all over, without knowing anyone there.
But I found my footing. I was able to create those connections, make the memories I could while being in Ottawa, and make the most out of my third and fourth years being fully in person. Outside of school, I have been able to see new movies, go to Ottawa festivals and events, be in nature, and I have been able to join clubs and meet people from all walks of life. But nothing goes smoothly all the time.
Feeling homesick
I believe that missing home is a normal part of the university experience. For a lot of new students, it is their first time living away from home and having to take care of themselves. In my experience, that is exactly how it was. I was unsure of what foods to eat, where I should go, how to manage my spending, and how to take care of my well-being while also trying my best in school. While it can be an overwhelming time to figure out what is right, I was lucky enough never to truly be alone.
My family was only one call away, and I am very grateful to have that support system. There were many days when family was all I needed to lift my spirits or just to have that one-on-one connection with someone familiar. Even this year, as it is my last year of university, there is not a day that goes by where I don’t miss my family, but I know they are supporting me on this journey.
Music is another tool that helped me whenever I needed something uplifting. Growing up, writing songs was a sense of comfort in my life. It acted like my journal, where I could express my thoughts freely, without interruption. Bringing my guitar to school made it more enjoyable because I was able to make beautiful melodies and sing lyrics that spoke to me. Music is a very powerful thing to have in life, and there are people who use it because it is comforting and uplifting. Thus, sometimes, all you may need is to just put your headphones in and take a walk.
Navigating the city
The first year I was in Ottawa, I had various experiences when travelling by OC Transpo. However, not knowing the city meant I was not good with directions. Once, I was trying to get back to my dorm, and I thought I knew the way back to the Carleton University campus, but I got on the wrong bus. Once I realized we were going in the wrong direction, I got off at the next stop. Being an 18-year-old travelling alone in the evening can be scary, so I called a friend at the time, as well as my mom. Eventually, I received directions, and was finally on my way back to my dorm.
Navigating the city was not pretty at first, however, with the help of making connections, I have able to explore downtown, around the university campus, and even go to Gatineau Park to walk the trails.
Finding your way around the city is not so bad, and sometimes you want that experience for yourself. Yes, it could be uncomfortable doing it alone at first, but you find your places. You find your favourite coffee shop, or you find a workout place you enjoy, the bookstore you admire, or even artwork that catches your eye. I believe there is something for everyone. When I was trying to find new things to do around Ottawa, I decided to start running the trails near me, exploring the nature around me, and looking at things a little bit differently.
But what made me feel more at “home” was making it my own.
The Excitement
Although I felt homesick and had gotten lost within the city from time to time, I will continue to remember the excitement I had. A couple of years ago, my sister attended Carleton University and recently graduated when I was beginning to consider the schools I wanted to apply to. Carleton was one of my top choices. Not only for the campus I became familiar with, thanks to visiting my sister, but I was excited about the program I was applying to.
Fast forward to being accepted, I was thrilled to pick Carleton University and get started on what I was going to bring, what my room aesthetic was going to be like and all. However, COVID hit, and the lockdown began, and I was not going to be moving to Ottawa that year. But the following year, that excitement rose again, and I was able to think about those little things.
It is funny looking back on it, because of the excitement, I was seeing a new world and a new opportunity right in front of me, but not thinking about the times where I would miss being away from my family for months at a time. Those emotions came when they left to travel a couple of hours back home.
Final stage: acceptance
Having my parents leave every year when I moved into my dorms was bittersweet. They moved my sister to University every year, along with my brother when he lived on campus, and lastly, there was me. This was my last official move to Ottawa for my undergraduate degree, and I wouldn’t trade the experience for the world. The past 5 years have been unpredictable but enlightening. To summarize my experience, it has been full of endless possibilities. I have adjusted to a new environment, created connections along the way, and I have learned more about myself.
It can be a difficult journey to move somewhere alone, but hey, you may just call it your second home.