Studying abroad is both exciting and nerve-wracking. If this is your first time leaving your friends, family, and the comfort of home, it may take some time to adjust, and that’s okay. It’s important to give yourself time to get to know your new city, make friends, and find the positives.
One of the things that will help you settle in is having a cozy, comfortable place to call home. Whether you’re staying in a dorm, student housing, or with a host family, here are some ideas to make your room feel like home.
1. Hang pictures
Using photos is a simple and cost-effective way to personalize a space. Print out snapshots of your friends, family, and pets and then attach them with Bt-A-Fix, preserving the walls. These images will be valuable emotional reminders when you’re feeling nostalgic, highlighting the support and love that awaits you at home until you return.
2. Bring your bed linen
Dorm beds don’t always come with luxurious bedding, so opt for your sheets and blankets instead of the wrinkled ones provided. If you have room in your suitcase, pack your favorite sheets, otherwise, shop around for a new set that you like. Having a cozy, comfortable sleeping space every night can dramatically improve your sleep quality and overall well-being.
3. Unpack your things
Living out of a suitcase will make it hard to feel settled. Take the time to unpack your clothes, organize your belongings, and organize your suitcase so that the space feels like you’re living there. If your bedroom doesn’t have a closet, grab a cheap clothes rack from IKEA or some clear storage boxes on wheels that you can store under your bed.
4. Prepare your comfort
While you may no longer need to sleep with a teddy bear, it is possible to pack something in your suitcase that reminds you of home. Whether it’s a cozy bathrobe, a coffee mug or your favorite tea variety, your favorite pillow, or a pair of comfy slippers. These little touches will make a big difference when you’re spending hours studying in your room.
5. Stock up on snacks
As an Australian, I never travel abroad without two things in my suitcase: Vegemite and Tim Tams. A slice of Vegemite for breakfast and a Tim Tam before bed is all I need to overcome homesickness.
So, before you leave, and especially if you’re moving abroad, stock up on your favorite snacks and treats so you always have a little taste of home. And if you run out, parcels filled with snacks from your home country are always a great mood booster.
6. Create some privacy
If you share a dorm room, maintaining privacy can be tricky and even tense. To keep the peace with your roommate, consider giving each other some private space. You can opt for a freestanding partition or create a separation with furniture such as a clothes rack or coat stand.
Another option is to talk to your roommate about setting up a schedule so that each of you can have time to talk to friends or family back home, or just study in peace.
7. Buy a mattress topper
If you’re anything like Goldilocks and find that your mattress is too thin, too hard or too lumpy and you can’t seem to get comfortable, there’s a simple solution. Pick up a mattress topper from any home goods store and simply slide it over your mattress. It’s a cost-effective way to get more comfort, and warmth and help you get a better night’s sleep.
8. Take care of something
A 2021 study found that 75% of college freshmen suffered from some level of separation anxiety from their pets. If you’re used to having a loving companion by your side, this can be a big change. While we don’t recommend getting a cat or dog while you’re in college, having something small like a plant or succulent that needs regular love and attention will help you feel comfortable in your new home.
You can also sign up to volunteer to walk dogs at an animal shelter or pet sit at a neighbor’s house if you miss the love of an animal.
By making a few subtle changes, you can make progress in arranging your living space away from home.