MY MEDALLION
College is a new and exciting time in your life, and moving into a new apartment opens up the potential for decorating and showing off your style. Although you may be excited moving to a new place, there may be lingering feelings of homesickness. Here are some tips on how to feel at home in your new apartment away from home.
Display Your Sentimental Items
Moving away to college doesn’t have to mean throwing out all of your possessions that remind you of home. Instead of getting rid of all of your sentimental items, bring them with you and display them on a shelf in your new apartment. Having items from home will make your new place feel more comfortable, and will make you feel more at home.
Unpack all of your Belongings
Although unpacking can feel overwhelming, the sooner you take all of your belongings out the boxes, the sooner your apartment will start to feel like home. According to Apartment Therapy, any boxes you leave unpacked are usually full of items you no longer need, and they will just take up space. To avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed, try including your roommates in tje process, and buy them pizza to say thank you and create a new friendship. Unpacking immediately will also assist you in deciding how you would like to decorate and design the layout of your apartment.
Explore the Neighbourhood
Exploring the neighbourhood after your apartment is unpacked will help you understand the charm and elegance your area has to offer. Go for a walk and explore what there is to do within close proximity of your new place. If you have roommates, try going out to a new place for a first official roommate meal. Discovering new and exciting places will help you feel more at home in your new neighbourhood.
Hang your Favourite Photos and Artwork
Hanging your favourite photographs and artwork on the walls will not only make your new place more visually appealing, but it will allow you to express your individual style, and will make you feel more at home. Immediately hanging items that are personalized will eliminate the empty and foreign feelings you may have in your new place. If you have roommates, try making the decorating an event, with snacks and drinks for everyone.
Make Friends With Roommates
A roommate can be a lifelong friend if you establish a connection that is healthy and happy, early in your college career. They also can contribute to making your life feel more comfortable away from home, as they provide human interaction, and a shoulder to lean on if the need should arise. Make friends with your roommates, and not only will you feel more at home, but you will also have a new support network.
So, instead of surrounding yourself with an empty feeling, and spending all of your time missing home, follow some of these tips, and make your new apartment feel more comfortable. For more tips on making your new apartment feel more like home, visit the Medallion Blog.
