Leaving home is never easy. Whether you are 30 minutes or six hours away, it can definitely be a hard transition. Fortunately, SIU is an ideal place to make your home, and there are plenty of ways to feel comfortable and connected while on campus.
1. Get Involved
SIU has many clubs, Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), and events available for students to join. By being involved with something that interests you, it will fill your schedule while allowing you to meet people that share the same passions as you. Check out a list of RSOs at SIU.
2. Explore SIU/Carbondale
Getting to know the town that you are living in makes it feel like a welcoming environment. When I moved here, I made it my mission to find cozy coffee shops, restaurants, and local spots where I could unwind and recharge. I highly recommend walking around Campus Lake and getting a coffee from Starbucks if you are at the Student Center. By taking the time to navigate around SIU, you will feel much more connected to campus and Carbondale as a whole.
3. Personalize Your Space
One of the most important ways to feel at home when you are away from home is to make your residence hall room or apartment feel like your space. I recommend bringing items that remind you of home such as pictures, blankets, or even hanging lights around your room. Having a space that reflects you will help you feel at ease and prevent you from feeling homesick.
4. Develop Friendships across Different Groups
I highly recommend branching out and making as many friends as you can. This will help you feel at home because you are surrounding yourself with people that bring out the best in you. I encourage you to try to meet people from various backgrounds, majors, and interests. Having a diverse friend group will make campus life more vibrant and inclusive.
5. Utilize Campus Resources
SIU offers many resources to students such as Morris Library, the Tutoring Center, wellness programs, and the Student Recreation Center. Take advantage of these as they will help you thrive in a new environment. Engaging with these resources will support your success and also help you become familiar with SIU’s campus.
6. Participate in Intramural Sports or Fitness Classes
Even if you are not an athlete, recreational sports or fitness classes are a fun way to stay active and meet new people. SIU offers the Student Recreation Center which is only a five-minute walk away from East Campus or a twenty-minute walk/five-minute drive from West Campus. Group fitness classes are free and are typically offered twice a week throughout the semester. Check out the upcoming classes. If you are interested in an intramural sport, take a look at more information on how to join as well as the upcoming schedule.
With SIU’s resources and community, feeling at home is much easier than you may have realized. Get involved, explore, and connect with campus to make your college experience everything you have ever imagined!
