6 Ways to Have a Home Life - and a Social Life
The high cost of living in a dormitory, as well as an apartment with another student (or two), would make you decide to be a commuter student. You may have a peaceful home life, but you're afraid that it may cost your social life. You're quite wrong on that one.
You're one of those college students who can't imagine being far from your family and friends. You also don't want to leave the comforts of your room, and you don't want other teenagers to interrupt your frequent indulgence in your interests. (You want to read "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" series again before you get a copy of "The Conference of the Birds", the fifth book in the series. You want to pay close attention to some chapters of "Library of Souls", the third book in the series, after your buddy, a heavy reader, hint that fans of the series haven't seen the last of Caul and the Library of Souls.) You're also so attached to your room, such that you think of rearranging it one more time. (You're a creature of habit, so you can’t restrain yourself from doing it in the dorm. You're very considerate to a fault, though.) And you hesitate to get out of your shell and reveal your true self to others. (It's OK.) You have valid reasons, which would make study-life balance more challenging that it looks.
It's been several months since your first day in college, and you're still struggling to achieve balance. It doesn't help that winter makes commuting harder than it seems. If you can't be patient, then keep on telling yourself that it will turn out to be a good day. If you don't have a plan, then it's high time to think about what to do. It won't be long before the arrival of spring.
How to Enjoy the Full Student Experience (without Leaving Home)
Introduce yourself to other students. This one doesn't take a lot of effect especially if you must ask questions about how to write a critique, hooks, and effective study habits. You may be surprised to find out that some are thinking of the same way (and are waiting to be asked) while others prefer to be loners. It won't be long before they would join the bandwagon (so to speak), but it's the least of your worries. If you haven't made lots of acquaintances, if not have found one true friend, then start with (good) advice on how to keep warm during colder days.
Plan a study night (and invite your course mates). If you haven't thought about this one, then you should have done it last month. You can't forget those sleepless nights leading to Christmas, and you resolve to do better during the spring semester. You haven't come up with concrete steps, which is fine. Spring seems near yet far, but keep in mind that February is around the corner. You can plan a study night, which is quite ideal at this point of the school year. You want to know more about your course mates, even curious about their interests (and if it matches with yours). Don't obsess about it, though.
Go to a college event. It's all about getting involved and knowing more students. Don't be afraid of being laughed at when you sing (off key) during karaoke night. (Many would appreciate self-depreciation.) If you want attention, then sign up on quiz night. And any formal event would be something to look forward to. The last one must be on the top of your list after missing those Christmas events. It might not be a good time to ask about writing essays.
Join the club. The best thing about being a commuter student is you won't be forced to make friends with other students in the dorm, if not share a room (or apartment) with a student or two whom you don't fancy at first glance. You must seek like-minded students, if not teenagers who have few interests with you. There are events, which could affect your routine at times. Plan your schedule accordingly.
Know the places of interest in your area. If your college is located in your hometown, then the best way to make new friends is to plan a night out. They will be indebted to you after you take them to the best bar, if not the best restaurant. You can also try bowling, even if you’re not good at it. You can watch a game of baseball (or football) as well.
Make your presence in social media. Your college has a Facebook page, so there’s no reason to be reluctant about looking for new friends. You have made acquaintances, so don’t hesitate to ask for their Instagram and Twitter accounts. Don’t worry about online bullying. Never wonder if you would be everyone’s cup of tea. And don’t be insistent on essay writing app. If you can’t end up meeting them, even on one occasion, then spending hours on social media would be a waste of time.
Talk to Strangers
Commuting would take a large chunk of your time. Many commuters won’t be in the mood for chatting, but a smile won’t hurt at all. As a matter of fact, it could brighten up someone’s day. You would never know. Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and Victorian literature could be applied here. Ask Jacob Portman.
