Also, you can follow me on Instagram under the username glamshazam.
1. Bring something comforting from home
When I first moved in to my new place, I brought some of my favorite, most snuggly, items. These included my favorite throw pillow and my favorite blanket to curl up in. This is not only a literal piece of home that comes with you, but gives you some comfort as well. As of recent, I have added a tiny pink stuffed bear that my mother bought me for Valentine's Day and every time I see it it helps me think of her!
2. Bring pictures of loved ones!
This is pretty self-explanatory, but it's important. I brought recent pictures of me and my best friends and family to remind me that somewhere on planet Earth I had people who loved and cared about me! Even if you don't feel it when you first move to a new town and don't know anyone...(at first.)
3. Join something...ANYTHING.
This is soooo cliche, I know. But the reason I tell you this is because it keeps your mind off of the fact that you just changed your entire life and are having to adjust to a new one. For me, I joined a college girls' church group. It didn't work out in the end, but I'm still glad I did it. Joining a group helps you feel like you're a part of something and helps you feel like you're moving forward and doing something progressive to help you adjust.
4.Call home to check in or when you need to vent
If all else fails....call momma...or your best friend, or whoever you feel like you can talk to. You may think that they don't want to feel bothered or hear you cry about the struggles you're facing, but do it. Do it if you need to talk to someone. More than likely, they will want to help you out and it will remind you once again, that there are people out there who love you even if you can't physically see them at the moment.
5. Try small talk in classes, buses, etc.
This has single-handedly been the way I have made the most friends here. My best friend here I met on the bus. She was another transfer student and I could tell by her southern accent that she was not around here either! I started a conversation and asked her if she wanted to exchange numbers because we didn't know anyone and were both transfers, Also, try to sit next to people in class that you feel like you could be friends with. Then, start talking to them from the FIRST day about how their Summer/Winter Break was, what their major is, etc. Sit by them from there on out if you feel like you could be friends and just try to talk a bit each day. Friendship grows over time.
6. Exercise, find a new hobby, a new show, etc.
Try to keep yourself occupied. This is a new time in life and it takes time to grow new friendships. What are you going to do between class, a job, etc, when you haven't had time to make friendships yet? Find something new and entertaining. This is a GREAT time to learn something new!! It could be anything. Find a new series on Netflix to learn about, or pick up that craft project you haven't had time to finish, or hit some new walking trails you haven't explored! Disclaimer: For hiking trails, I recommend first going to school tracks and walking trails because those seem to be the safest. Always be aware of your surroundings and go in the daytime..hike at your own risk!
7. Keep up with events happening.
This one can be hard to do at times because you probably don't know what events are happening yet. Check out community boards on campus with all the flyers on them! They have information about events and opportunities on campus that you might want to be apart of! Also, there should be a website on your school's website that lists clubs and what not. From there, they usually list Facebook pages, websites, etc. that can give you more information on when the club meets and what they are about.
8.Use online resources and blogs.
More than likely, you're going to experience every emotion on the spectrum!! To help make you not feel alone, google! Google everything. Type in what your situation is and what you're feeling and there will be things and people that pop up that are going through the same thing. You are not alone.
9. Adventure out. Explore.Get familiar.
Take a day or take a week and just explore. Just drive around the campus and local Walmart or wherever and get yourself familiar with the area. Drive places. Go places. Even if it's on the local bus. Just go. Get out there and make it familiar. Bonus: Going to restaurants I had back home helped a lot. It made me feel at home when I couldn't be. Also, eating comfort food or making a particular dish my mom made, helped too.
10. Find a spot just for YOU.
It could be in the student center, or it could be the library. or it could be a favorite spot on a hiking trail but find "your spot." Find a place that's quiet where you feel like you can just relax.
Bonus tip: Journal! Journaling reduces stress and help get your worries out so you can stop thinking about them. Also, reading is a great way to relieve stress as well.
So there you have it!! I hope this helps and you all have a beautiful journey ahead of you. Change is a good thing.
Glam Shazam
