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getting accomodated in a new city
Moving to Boston can be incredibly daunting, especially as someone coming to Suffolk from
out-of-state. The bustling atmosphere that once felt so desirable may now seem a bit frightening
and strange. You say goodbye to your mom not outside of your enclosed campus, but rather on
the corner of Tremont and Avery St. where there’s dozens of cars flying by and people trudging
to their desired destinations. You are exactly where you are supposed to be– it just takes time to
recognize this. From one oddly homesick student to another, here’s my advice on how to not let
it consume you.
- You don’t have to do it alone.
You are living in a building with hundreds of other kids going through the same thing, take
advantage of that. Get to know your roommate– you don’t have to be best friends, although that
does make everyday feel super fun. Go into your common area, knock on peoples doors– go in if
they are already open, say hi to everyone you see, answer those silly little whiteboard questions.
Most importantly, be open. Everyone is undergoing a deep, scary, strange, exciting change– give
them grace. Listen to their stories and tell them yours, go exploring together, don’t be afraid of
perception. Call your parents– your siblings, make them send photos of your pet, facetime your
friends from home, check on your friends that are still in high school. Don’t let the lack of
physical connection break a pure one. - Value your alone time.
A slight juxtaposition of the first statement– but it’s true! The social realm of college can be so
overwhelming. You have been granted the opportunity to live independently, perhaps for the first
time ever. You will share space, amenities, and a plethora of your time with peers you have just
met. You will likely stay up way too late laughing with people you just met, or having awkward
elevator conversations, or be way too obnoxious in the dining hall after classes– and that’s okay.
But, it’s vital to check in with yourself, calm yourself down for a moment, and romanticize your
own company. I believe a city like Boston is the perfect place to do that. There are so many
opportunities, you just have to be comfortable with the idea of being alone. Go find a cute coffee
shop and get your favorite drink, walk along the esplanade– watch the sailboats, leave for class a
little bit early– don’t rush yourself and just be leisurely. Or maybe my personal favorite, go to the
Common or the gardens– sit in the grass, pet a dog, take in the view, walk under the trees, watch
the geese, take a breather. It is so easy to get caught up and overwhelmed in such a fast-paced,
bustling place. Don’t let yourself. - Become who you’ve always wanted.
As you carve a new space for yourself and surround yourself with new people, allow change to
prosper. Remember that this is a clean slate. Reinvent yourself– start making your bed everyday,
wear an outfit you may have once felt uncomfortable in, stop procrastinating on your
assignments, wear the jewelry you kept telling yourself you’d wear but you didn’t, write in your
planner, get your steps in, be social. Be courteous– keep your space clean, be kind to strangers,
engage with your professors, help your friends. Know that this is your time to step out of your
comfort zone. Don’t take that for granted.
Feeling uneasy about this transition is natural. There are so many ways to remind yourself that
everything will fall into place, live presently and don’t let life pass you by simply because you’re
scared. Let Boston love you