By Hadassa Larissa Ferreira, Arts & Culture Editor
Moving to or returning to campus always brings a mix of feelings. There is the excitement of a new semester starting, the thrill of having your own space, and the joy of living with friends. However, there are also concerns about being on your own, the responsibility of managing new tasks, and, of course, homesickness.
Making your college residence feel like home is important. Ensuring your space is as comfortable as possible and establishing an organized routine can help you succeed in your college journey and make you feel more at ease in a new environment.
The first step in setting up your dorm is carefully analyzing the entire space. When you first arrive, the furniture may not be arranged in the most convenient way for you. Therefore, take time to examine your surroundings and explore all possible arrangements. Then, adjust the layout as needed to make your dorm feel like home.
Nechelle Sweeney, a junior student majoring in Criminal Justice, said. “On the first day, I suggest packing all of your cleaning supplies separately and have them out and ready, so that you can disinfect your living space before unloading everything.”
One of the best ways to settle into dorm life is to bring your favorite things to make your space feel like you. For example, include the books you love, the cozy blanket that makes you feel comfortable, the photos and artwork that warm your heart, and clothes that reflect your personality. Surrounding yourself with these cherished items will help make the new environment feel more like home.
“I am a visual person, and something that helps me to be motivated is the phrase on my wall and my vision board. The days I feel lazy, I look at them and feel better. It is a constant reminder that I can make it,” said Sayuri Vargas Hernandez, a junior majoring in accounting.
Additionally, take the opportunity to tap into your creative side by creating a cute semester vision board to display on your wall, which can help keep you motivated. Another effective way to decorate your dorm is by matching colors you love. Consider choosing blankets, pillows, and mattress covers in a cohesive color palette, and select artwork or prints that complement your style.
Apart from decorating, maintaining a routine is essential to feeling at home, and finding a balance between calm and productivity can be challenging. Organization is key to establishing a healthy routine. Keeping frequently used items in easily accessible places helps prevent the constant search for things.
This principle applies to everything from documents and textbooks to your clothing. For example, if you enjoy fashion, organizing your clothes by type and color will make it easy to find what you need, allowing you to quickly put together a stylish outfit.
Inevitably, many students will experience homesickness at some point. One of the best ways to cope is to keep plenty of pictures of your family and friends with you. This allows you to have a piece of home nearby and helps you frequently recall happy memories. The simplest way to display these photos is by hanging or taping them on your wall.
Another important aspect is to strive for a positive relationship with your roommates, as you’ll be living together for nearly a year. Roommates are the people you’ll be physically closest to on campus, so maintaining open communication with them can make your college experience more enjoyable. Since everyone is raised differently, disagreements about household tasks may arise. However, if everyone clearly communicates their expectations and responsibilities, these issues can be resolved smoothly.
Moving to school can be difficult, especially if it is your first time, but make the most of your time at Saint Leo by immersing yourself in all that campus life has to offer. Attend as many events as you can, connect with fellow students, and take full advantage of the beautiful campus and its facilities. This is a unique time in your life that won’t come around again, so it’s important to make the most of it and enjoy every moment.
