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Homesick? Here’s How to Make School Feel Like Your Home Away From Home

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIT chapter.

Adjusting to a new environment can be hard enough, so moving away from home for the first time can be very stressful. Here’s a few ways to make your dorm feel just a bit more like home.

1. Pictures…lots and lots of pictures

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Whether you buy a cute picture frame or dedicate a whole wall to Polaroids, it is always a good idea to bring pictures of your closest family and friends. They may not be able to be there all the time, but you will be reminded of all the memories associated with those pictures and will feel just a little bit closer to home.

2. Bring décor from home

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Many students love to shop for new dorm décor, but if you are feeling especially homesick, try bringing a few pillows or the comforter from your bed at home. This will help you feel as if you never truly left your bedroom.

3. Bring a cheesy souvenir from your home state/town

Hit up all the cheesy souvenir stores you can find in your home town/state. They may seem silly at the time, but they allow you to bring a little bit of home wherever you go and are always a great talking point with friends!

4. Stuffed animals never go out of style

 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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No matter how old you are, it doesn’t hurt to have a stuffed animal or two from your childhood bedroom to make you feel at home. Plus, they’re always a great sense of comfort when you’re feeling down.

5. Set up a Facetime schedule with friends

Get together with a few of your best friends, your family members, or your bae and come up with a schedule to talk. Facetiming is the next best thing to being with someone in person and can help you feel closer to them, while also making sure you stay up to date on each other’s lives.

Follow Kayla on Instagram.

Kayla is a sophomore at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City. She is studying Advertising and Marketing Communications and hopes eventually go into Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing. Growing up in Staten Island, the "forgotten borough", Kayla is no stranger to city life and grew up taking regular trips to Manhattan. You can usually find her exploring the city with friends or watching the latest musical to hit Broadway. You can also find her on Instagram @kaylaacariffe
Carli is a 2022 grad of the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and served as the style section editor for Her Campus. After being a national style writer for Her Campus, she launched Her Campus FIT. A born and raised Jersey Girl, she is a huge Bruce Springsteen fan. In her spare time she loves running, jamming to Taylor Swift, and tracking down the best burgers. Find her on Instagram @carliannescloset.