Where exactly is “home” when you grew up in one state, go to university in another, and co-op somewhere else? Personally I’m not the type of person to grow very attached to one place. This may be why I wasn’t too hesitant to pack up my things and go to college across the country. But even though some places are only home to me for a few short months, I always make it a priority to make each one truly feel like a home.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that you make a home for yourself, it doesn’t just appear. It’s important to dedicate a little time out of your busy life to making your dorm, apartment, or house feel like home. It’s in this way you’ll have a place to feel comfortable, safe, and happy after a long day.

So you moved to another new place. You have a blank canvas, an opportunity to redecorate your space and decide how you spend your time there. A good way to making a space feel more like your own is to fill it with memories. This may mean hanging photographs, keeping ticket stubs, or displaying gifts from distant friends and old travels. I collect souvenirs from places I travel through, and during the short period of time that I spend in California each year, I take enough photographs to cover a wall. Having items that hold special meaning to you can make a temporary space feel like home.

A second piece of advice: if you are staying at a place for more than three days, unpack your suitcase. Many people, including myself, have the terrible habit of keeping things in suitcases long after I’ve moved to a new place. No one likes feeling like they live out of a big bag, so don’t confide yourself to it. Leave your mark in places you stay and really commit to living there, even temporarily.

Bring people over, too. Don’t only return home to sleep or wash your clothes. A small housewarming party, or regular cooking with friends at your apartment is a simple way to bring good energy into your home. Having other people comfortable where you live will make the space even more housewarming to you.

Cooking at your place may seem intimidating to some, but it’s a simple way to dig your roots in somewhere. If you have a stove, use it to cook a simple meal. If all you have is a coffee machine, make yourself a warm cup and unwind. I’m not experienced in cooking at all, but I’ve noticed that when I make food for myself somewhere, at a friend’s apartment or my own house, the space becomes a bit more cozy. Not to mention, the first cup of coffee I brewed in my newest apartment was one of the best I’ve had in a while.

Being away from your “home,” wherever it may be, only makes it that much more special when you’re back there. I’m grateful for the opportunities I have to travel, go to college, and pursue a degree I love.

Most of us are so lucky to have a place that we can come back to on breaks. It’s not necessarily about where your family is, but where you find the most love and support. For some, that may be near relatives or best friends. Some people even find solace in Greek life, which in my personal experience works well to create a homely environment. Wherever you decide to spend your summer break, it’s important to have a space where you are comfortable. When you go through major changes such as moving, it’s never a waste of time to make a place feel like a home away from home.