I adapted well when I first left for college and moved into my freshman dorm, and it was the same for sophomore year. Coming into my junior year, I was excited to finally be out of the dorms and into my very own apartment! For the past two years, I had at least one roommate, but I’m living completely alone for the second half of the school year.
Living alone for the first time is an exhilarating, yet nerve-wracking experience. Even though it is only a few weeks into the semester, I’ve realized that having all this space to myself can start to feel lonely at times. Nothing truly prepares you for what it feels like to always come home to an empty place. I’m constantly shifting through emotions from excitement to apprehension. However, in this short period of time, I’ve had some beneficial factors that have helped me to not feel so lonely.
One simple thing I’ve done is stay in touch with my family. I text my family every day and call them every couple of days. This is beneficial since I don’t see them as much anymore, but I can still be part of their day and know what they’re up to. Similar to this, I try to stay in touch with my friends as much as possible. It is much easier to see my friends on a day-to-day basis. I either see them in my classes or make plans to see them such as sleepovers, going out, coffee dates, or even just sitting at home talking. With the busyness of daily life, it can be challenging to prioritize and maintain these relationships. Nonetheless, keeping in touch with family and friends is paramount to my emotional, mental, and even physical well-being. They are an integral part of my support system who provide comfort, advice, and a sense of belonging. Staying connected with them ensures a steady flow of positivity and support in my life.
Another simple thing that I do is go for walks. Being cooped up alone in the same place can get bothersome. Whether I’m going to class or just need to get out of my apartment, (weather permitting) I like to walk. Going for a walk is an easy activity that offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. Being active releases endorphins, or the “feel-good” hormones, which boosts my mood and alleviates symptoms of stress and anxiety. It provides me with an opportunity for self-reflection, allowing me to clear my mind and gain a fresh perspective.
I’d recommend trying to stay somewhat busy, get exercise, and see friends as much as possible for anyone struggling with living alone. This is not to say you cannot have time to yourself, because that is healthy as well, but trying to fill most of my day with tasks helps me to stay focused and feel less lonely. Above all, taking care of my mental health is most important.