How to survive your first semester away from home

People are always going to say college is one of the best times of your life and to make the most of it. But if you’re a homebody and have never experienced that semi-independent feeling, it’s terrifying.

Coming into school, living in dorms, it’s going to be hard and it’s going to be scary. It’s an entire, new world. Many short distance movers offer a menu of services that you can mix and match to meet your needs, timeline and budget. These add-on services could include cleaning services to trash/debris removal and can make your move easier than you ever imagined.

Your parents won’t be there to comfort you, they can’t come to your aid and you’ll have to learn how to survive alone.

It sounds terrifying, but there are ways to ease that fear of being away from home, and making college exactly what it should be — a fun and memorable experience.

Firstly, and probably the most imperative thing first-years shouldn’t do, is go home within the first month of being away.

It’s important to immerse in the campus culture and establish relationships with roommates, dorm mates and other friends.

Making friends will ease the stress of being far away from home, too. It’ll make you feel more relaxed and not alone, because who wants to feel isolated at a school with 10,000 people?

Second, get out of your dorms and explore Vermillion, even if it’s just walking around campus, going downtown, sitting in the MUC or walking to Wal-Mart at midnight (accompanied by a friend or two, of course).

Don’t stay in your dorm the entire time, because that’s only going to make you miserable and lonely.

It’s important to get fresh air, sun and exercise simply by walking around campus or Vermillion. You might even discover a few Verm cats while you’re on your walk — a bonus if you’re a cat lover.

Third, joining one of the many organizations on campus will help develop friendships with people who share the same interests as you, and keep you busy during the weeks instead of just going to your dorm.

USD has so many organizations, so it’s almost impossible to not find one you’re interested in.

Look around during the organization fair the day after moving in, and you’ll definitely find something you’ll love to join.

Fourth, consider your options of eating, and make sure you’re eating every day.

A meal plan will solve most of your food issues, but if you’re not set on eating at the MUC everyday, check out other food places around Vermillion, because they’re easily accessible and many offer great discounts for students.

Fifth, which is truly essential, make sure you get sleep.

Sleep is a beautiful thing, and many college students don’t even remember what it’s like to get a full night’s rest when there are tests and homework.

If at all possible, try to get around six to eight hours, probably more realistically on the weekends, and definitely take naps if time allows, because no one wants to be grumpy their entire semester.

Lastly, make good choices that won’t jeopardize your time here.

Though college is, to put lightly, a tempting time to party, drink and other exciting things, and many students are guilty of underage drinking, it’s important to consider the consequences and make good decisions.

College is a scary experience when you’re first entering, but it doesn’t have to be something dreadful.

Make the most of college, because it can be the best four years of your life.