Joining the vibrant learning community of Chapel Hill can feel invigorating, but it’s also normal to feel a mix of emotions. You might feel eager to socialize or sadness losing the slower pace of summer. It’s okay to experience various feelings during this transition.
Be kind to yourself! Changes can be challenging.
To ease the process of packing and preparing for campus life, consider these strategies to create a space for yourself at Carolina that best supports your health and wellbeing.
- Minimize stuff: Embrace a minimalist approach, bringing only what you truly need, and save the rest for future visits back home.
- Maximize storage: Utilize under-bed storage or bed risers to create additional space for your belongings.
- Prioritize sleep: Bring an eye mask and earplugs to ensure you get quality rest, especially if your roommate has a different sleep schedule.
- Create a calming environment: Adjust lighting with lamps, add soothing scents with lavender or diffusers, and incorporate plants like bamboo.
- Personalize your space: Decorate with inspiring photos or posters using temporary mounts. Photos of family and friends can add a sense of familiarity, and colorful bedding and furniture bring vibrancy to your room.
- Stay organized: Make use of shoe caddies, extra hangers, under-bed storage, and cloth bins to keep your space tidy and inviting. Taking a few minutes daily to organize will make a big difference.
- Nourish yourself: Stock some nutrient-dense and yummy foods that can fit in a small space. Consider nuts, seeds, fresh fruits, veggies (carrot sticks, celery, snap peas, etc.), protein-filled bars, peanut butter, hummus, yogurt, jerky, granola, oatmeal, and avocado.
- Communicate well: Living in close proximity with others requires good communication. Set expectations with your roommate early on and address any concerns early. Most student-centered living spaces have staff to help if speaking with your roommate directly isn’t effective.
Do you control spaces for other students at Carolina – like a student organization, a classroom, or a residence with additional students? Set up your community for mental health success with these strategies.