Moving away from home for the first time might be scary for most people. A new town, a new place to live, and a lot of new people and experiences. But once you’ve got settled in and adjusted to everything, it no longer seems strange. It has the opportunity to become home. Here are six signs that it may have already happened, whether you know it or not.

1. Your dorm room is your get away from everything

After a long day of classes, tests, and unwanted social interaction, your dorm room is where you go.

Friend drama? You guessed it, why not retreat to your room? You can let out your frustration, and even cry if you want, in the privacy of your own space. Your roommate might be there, but they can be a lot of help.

You can literally escape almost anything except due dates in your dorm.

2. It is designed, by you, for your comfort

You are the one who decides how to decorate your dorm room. You can put just about anything on the walls as long as it doesn’t offend your roommate or leave any permanent damage. Pictures of your friends, old and new, strung across the wall, quotes stuck everywhere, and let’s not forget about the fairy lights. Chances are if you get total control over your side, you are going to make it look the best to make you feel at home.

3. Your dorm is a place of safety

If you’ve had a rough night out, or if you’re slightly frightened of those guys hanging around campus you can always walk into your dorm and lock the door, knowing you are completely safe there. Nothing can hurt you in your dorm, just like in your actual home.

4. There are still people that care about you

Back in your hometown, you have your family living with you under the same roof and friends all live close by, but it’s not that different in college. You might not have your family right there with you, but they are only a phone call away. Your friends become like your second family, they care about you and will try to take care of your well being.

5. You can get everything done in one place

In your dorm you can get your homework done, study, eat, and sleep all in one place without ever leaving your room! This is a fantastic perk if you're too sick (or too lazy) to leave. Bonus points if you stay in your pajamas all day.

6. It is your number one destination

Nowhere to go? Not feeling well? Just got out of class? No problem, just hit up your dorm. It seems like it's always the first place that pops into your head when you need somewhere to go. No matter what the circumstances you always know your room is there for you.

7. It feels weird when you go back to your actual home

At college, you've already adjusted to the swing of things. You and your friends have a rhythm that begins to feel nothing but natural. But when you go back home for a weekend, you realize how much you've fallen out of the natural rhythm at your house. It's like they've already adjusted without you.

8. Your stuff is everywhere

Just like your room at home, once you get everything organized you start to throw your things everywhere. Your jacket is flung over the chair, shoes kicked off at the door, and your collection of water bottles lining your desk. Only mom isn't here to fuss at you this time.

9. Your friends learn exactly which door is yours

Once your friends know which door is yours by heart they will begin to randomly drop by. They'll ask you sometimes if you're home or if it's okay, but most of the time they show up at your door without any warning, even if it's 2 a.m.

10. You’ve already started referring to it as home

Talking to your friends or someone on the phone you may say something like, “I can’t wait to get home,” or “I’m on my way home now” is a sure sign that your dorm room is no longer just a dorm room. It may as well be your home.