So, this is your first time living away from home? And you’re totally freaking out, aren’t you? As much as you may deny it, we all freak out a little when we first move out for the very first time. Here are 3 simple tips on how to stay sane during your first semester of actually being an adult.
1. Call your parents…everyday!
This may seem extremely lame, but trust me, it really helps! Call your mom, dad, anyone who took care of you, every morning, at least for the first week or two. They will absolutely love hearing from you! Even if you weren’t close to your parents and you have nothing new to tell them, it’s still nice hearing their voice once a day. Once you get a little more used to being away from them, you can cut down on the number of calls, BUT don’t wait too long before making your next phone call!
2. If you have a roommate, become friends with them…
…at least for the first month. I was lucky enough to become extremely close friends with my freshman year roommate, but this may not be the case with everyone. However, for the first couple of weeks, your roommate will likely be your only friend until you actually meet other people. So be nice to them: go to different events with them, eat out together, etc. If you do get along with your roommate, try to become good friends with them; arguments won’t be as awkward if you’re friends. Not only that, but you will also create so many great memories with them that you can cherish forever.
3. Go to school events.
This was a lifesaver for me! As lame as it may seem, parties held by the school are an awesome way to get out and meet people. In fact, I met one of my good friends at an event during the first week of school! Usually, schools will hold a different event every night for the first week to allow freshmen to just get out of their dorm room and get to know the school on a different level. And the best part: they’re free!
Hadia Nabulsi is currently a sophomore at Illinois State University. Nabulsi is studying Elementary Education and is involved in many organizations on campus. Feel free to connect with her on twitter at @hadia_nabulsi.