Hey readers, it’s Malaika. After an incredible summer, I’m back to discuss moving away from home as I’m sure many of you are taking that step. September is always an odd month. For me, it’s full of excitement, fear and pre-stress stress. My first September in university was an especially memorable one. It was a messy whirl of making new friends, stumbling into the wrong classrooms and learning just how confusing the cooking oil aisle at Walmart is. For all of you in the same position I was, here are some tips to conquer the September stress and prioritize your mental health as you enter a new stage in your life.

1. Meet New People: As nervous as you may be in your first week, try to remember that everyone else is feeling nervous too. Check out the vast selection of UVSS clubs at Clubs and Course Union day and talk to people in your buildings and orientation groups. Meeting people and making friends makes a huge difference when it comes to settling into a new place. 
2. Explore Campus: If you’re feeling anxious about making it to class on time or having trouble remembering which building is which, go exploring. This is a great activity to do with some of the new people you’re meeting and will help you be confident with your surroundings. Apart from your classrooms, you may want to check out Finnerty Gardens and Mystic Vale to enjoy the beauty of nature.
3. Decorate Your Room: Last fall I shared 5 Easy and Affordable Ways to Make Your Dorm Room Feel More Like Home to help you get comfortable in a new environment. Having my own personal space has always been crucial to my mental health. Homesickness always hits the worst when I’m in an area that feels unfamiliar.
4. Create a Schedule: While some people like blocking out every hour of their time in a neat little book, others prefer playing it by ear and see where life takes them. Whatever your preference maybe be, it’s helpful to find some way to fill your time when you first move out. It could be something as simple as writing down your timetable or planing to see a movie with some new friends. If you like being more precise, check your course syllabi and markdown the dates of your assignments and midterms. Whichever level of planning you’re comfortable with, blocking out your time can make a new environment seem more natural.
5. Call Your Family: I can guarantee that, while you struggle to figure out the ups and downs of university, your family is missing you and wondering how you’re doing. Taking a few minutes to keep them updated will give everyone a boost of confidence and help you deal with being apart.

The views expressed in this blog are my own, and do not necessarily reflect the policies or views of the University of Victoria. I monitor posts and comments to ensure all content complies with the University of Victoria Guidelines on Blogging.