Remember that feeling of freedom when you moved into your first college dorm, knowing your parents will no longer be breathing under your nose, dictating your bed time, and judging your fashion choices? Whether you were eager or nervous to get out of the house, you will inevitably start to miss home-cooked meals, a clean toilet, and fresh laundry.

My homesickness hit about three weeks ago, when I started my third year in college. I was settling into the same apartment as last year with one of my best friends, only a 40 minute drive from home. Nothing was foreign or new. There was no reason for me to freak out, but I did. I felt so alone in my room and home felt so far away. More than anything I wanted to be home home, with my family, in my sanctuary. 

Many of us are no doubt academically prepared for university, but little did we know that the most challenging part has yet to come. We don’t like to admit it, but living alone can be daunting. Here are some fun ways to get over homesickness.

1. Find comfort in food.
Cooking something you loved eating at home or going to a family-favorite restaurant can remind you of home or just bring you joy. Familiar scents and tastes can bring back comforting memories and make everything less foreign.

2. Don’t fall into the “back to school” hype.
Resist that “dorm room set” that will make your side of the room look just like your roommate’s. It’s hard enough to be sleeping on a new bed, so don’t make yourself sleep on new bed sheets or a new pillow. Better yet, bring stuffed animals - you’re never too old for those ;)

3. Take care of yourself.
This doesn’t seem relevant, but I promise it is. When you’re feeling constipated from not having a good poo, you’ll realize that you should’ve been eating your own fruits and vegetables. Don’t forget to shower during exams.

4. Embrace the change.
It’s okay if you somehow become a morning person or super extroverted or introverted. Under a different environment, we’ll see new sides of ourselves that seem weird and out-of-character, but these are all just part of a normal transition. Don’t limit yourself. It’s a crazy place out there.