How to feel comfortable on your new college campus

Moving to college is a big step. Even if you don’t know a single person on campus, there are some things you can do to get comfortable on your new college campus.

Tutorial

Whether you’re moving to a college campus, living off campus, or attending a college near enough to your home that you’re going to commute, the first days are usually filled with stress and the worry that you’ll never truly fit in. Don’t worry. It’s just like starting Kindergarten – the reality is not going to be nearly as bad as your fear of what it could be. Anyway, remember that you eventually realized that everyone was frightened on those first days of school, even if they didn’t show it. Others you’ll meet over the first days of your new college life are going to be just as eager as you to make friends and get this new adventure off to a good start.

If you want to be truly comfortable on your new college campus, spend a few days exploring. While you may think the only locations you need are your dorm or apartment and the buildings where your classes are located, you’ll be much better off if you take time to learn the location of at least some of the other buildings. Then when a class is canceled due to a faulty furnace and is being held in a different building, you’ll know where you’re going.

Remember to pay attention to the little “extras.” If you pass restrooms, soda machines and water fountains, make a note of their locations.

Get involved with other students and with activities. While it might seem like a good idea to just go back to your room and study every evening, there’s going to come a time when you wish you had somewhere to go and someone to spend some time with. It’ll be much easier to be part of the “new crowd” during the early days of the year than to be the one “new person” later in the year.

Most colleges offer a myriad of activities and services for students. Find out what those are and take advantage of them.