When you leave for college, you create a new home. You have a new bed and friends that act like your new family. You have new responsibilities similar to the ones back home, but none the less the things your mom and dad use to do, you now do. You have a new routine that doesn’t include answering to someone or asking to go out with friends to eat. You just go. You call this new place home, but your heart still longs for the old home. The forever home. Not so much the house you lived in, but the people that made the house a home.
You may have a new family made up of friends, but you’ll walk back to your apartment alone instead of going upstairs to your room, which happened to be next to your sister’s room. There’s no more laying on each other’s beds watching dumb YouTube videos or laughing about everything until 2 am. Instead of waking up and going downstairs to eat with your family on the weekends or dinner together every night, you walk to the caf with your friends and you don’t get to go to your room and cuddle with your dog anymore.
Then you find yourself offering to help your sister with her homework when you come home because she works all weekend and the only time she gets to be home is spent doing homework or sleeping. So even though you would rather go out and do something, you offer to sit on her bed and help her with English, which you suck at, just because it means time with her. You eat every meal at the family table even if no ones with you because you miss sitting there every night to eat and chat about your day.
College may be great and be full of new, great experiences and a new home, but I will forever long for the family I was given and the house they live in. I will forever miss my home.
Recommended for you
Luckily, many colleges offer a number of ways to take part in campus and community life, without forcing you to dedicate all of your time to these organizations. Here are a few ideas!
1. Look into Housing and Dining.
Many first-year students start off college life in residence halls, and the Housing & Dining network throughout campus often provides multiple opportunities for students throughout the year. Many buildings have student community councils that work to create policies and events that make the dorms a more welcoming home for residents. Becoming a community assistant (or the students who work the desks at the front of many halls) is another easy way to have a consistent, well-paying job only minutes away from your room.
If you really enjoyed your housing experience, consider applying to be an RLA, or, if the school offers it, help to teach the first-year community. You'll get the chance to help support new and returning students over the year, and many of these positions also cover major costs like board and meal plans.
2. Pay attention to campus postings.
This advice is more obvious, but it still gets overlooked a fair amount. Even on a busy day, taking the time to stop around campus and look at the flyers advertising clubs and events can draw your attention to something that you never would've noticed otherwise. Students on many campuses also chalk the sidewalk to catch students' attention while they walk to class. Just make sure that the event you're interested in hasn't taken place already!
3. Find common interest groups.
One way to find friends and get involved is to focus on what you're passionate about. Have you always loved to sing? Do you enjoy playing video games? Is photography your favorite past-time? Have you always wanted to join Greek life? Whatever you love devoting your time to, chances are there are organizations around school who are focused on the same thing. Check the student life section of your university's website, or stop by a student organization fair at the beginning of the semester.
4. Join an intramural sports team.
If you're the athletic type, you've probably heard of intramural sports. Often offered through the Rec Center or the residence halls, most colleges often offer various indoor and outdoor sports to take part in throughout the year. Personal favorite? Mini golf.
5. Work on a cause that you care about.
Whether you're passionate about a political group, a social cause, or a religion, working with people who value beliefs similar to yours can be an easy way to meet people, get a better sense of your own identity, and promote causes that are important to you. Look into getting involved with College Democrats, Republicans, or whatever party that you belong to. Find a club that supports social issues, from women's rights to protecting the environment. If you're religious, look into student organizations based on your faith.
6. Join a club related to your major.
Even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do after school, finding a club or organization related to your field of studies can benefit you long after you leave the classroom. From career-related workshops to conferences to professional connections, these groups have a lot to boast.
7. Get an on-campus job.
If you have the time, need to work, or want to save a few extra dollars, finding a job on or near campus is a time-effective way to build up your bank account and gain work experience. Check in your residence hall (see #1), at local businesses and offices, or make an appointment with your school's career center.
8. Volunteer.
When you're caught up in school life, it can be hard to think about the bigger picture. Volunteering your time to people (or animals/an environment) in need puts things in perspective and allows you to feel good while making a positive difference. Check if your college town has a volunteer page, or look up local organizations requesting help.
Best of luck this year! Get out, and get busy.
Trending Topics
Trending Stories
Best of Health and Wellness![RBF]()
![woman in black turtleneck shirt smiling beside woman in black shirt]()
