Going to a school with 50,000 undergraduate students comes with one big challenge: It’s easy to get lost in the numbers. When you’re leaving your parents, friends and precious childhood pet at home, the idea of college can go from exciting to overwhelming in an instant. The first time leaving your hometown comes with a lot of happiness and a little homesickness. Here are five tips to help you make the transition, overcome homesickness and start your year on the right foot.
1. Bring a little bit of home with you
My all-time favorite television show is The O.C. (Sidenote: I’m still not over Marissa’s untimely death.). So, when I first came to college last year, I made sure to bring the first season of The O.C. with me. It seems like a little thing, but watching one hour of something so familiar and meaningful to me made Gainesville feel more like home. Whether it’s a series of your favorite show, your favorite book or even your favorite childhood blanket, bringing something from home that is dear to you can be an easy way to make the transition less painful.
2. Get involved
Jumping into extracurriculars is another quick way to escape homesickness. By joining a club, you’ll meet lots of other new students and keep yourself busy. There are more than 900 clubs on campus at UF, so whether you’re interested in wildlife conservation or hip-hop dancing, there’s something for you. Immerse yourself in the UF culture, and you’ll start to see how the Gainesville community can be a perfect new home.
3. Exercise
If you’ve ever seen the movie Legally Blonde, you know “exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t shoot their husbands; they just don’t.” Well, happy people don’t miss their hometown, either. Exercising puts all the energy you might spend being nostalgic about senior year of high school into something productive and fun. Plus, it keeps away that infamous Freshman 15. It’s a win-win!
4. Decorate your dorm room
If you’re like me, having a cozy space to sleep and study in are key aspects to making any place feel like home. Check out Pinterest for some cute dorm decoration ideas that can help your tiny room feel a little more personal. Hanging pictures, painting a canvas and getting a fluffy comforter are all great ways to cultivate a space that will make you feel comfortable. Who said dorm rooms should stay gross?
5. Cut yourself some slack
Remember that college is a big adjustment, and it takes some time. If you can’t snap out of your homesickness right away, don’t be discouraged. Call your parents, and FaceTime your best friend. Stay positive. College is a challenge, but it comes with a lifetime of happy memories!
As the year kicks off, remember it’s okay to be a little nostalgic for your hometown. By getting involved, staying active and making your space your own, you’ll find that Gainesville is a pretty great home, too.