One of the questions I got asked the most from people around campus is “why did you choose Spring Arbor?” As a girl who traveled about 4,000 miles away from my hometown of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, it wasn’t easy to adjust to life in Michigan. From the weather to the food, it was a major culture shock when I stepped foot in Michigan for the first time.

Tip 1: Find Your People

My biggest worry coming into college was finding friends. It is a major anxiety that a lot of students face when coming into a new environment. Being from a whole ocean and continent away, I thought that it would be hard to find a group I could bond with and relate to. Some advice I have is to make friends with the small communities you are a part of. As a student-athlete, I did my best to talk with my team even though I was so scared. Another small community you will already be part of is your residence hall. I had an RA that was understanding of my situation and encouraged me to branch out and talk to my hall. Having your door open throughout the day is a good way to have fresh air and fresh conversations with your floor. In all honesty, people will come and go from your life, but you’ll always end up with the people you are meant to be with in the end.

Tip 2: Food Always Makes You Feel at Home

One of the things I would look forward to when visiting home for breaks was the food! I would always miss the home cooked meals and treats that I could only get at home. This got me to start cooking some meals through the year that would remind me of home. When I would get homesick, I would make something that would remind me of family meals. As a senior, I find myself with less meal swipes and more opportunities to cook foods that bring back memories from childhood. The nostalgia and comfort that comes with a home cooked meal can never be beat when adjusting to life away from home. This is also a good way to get your friends to try something from your own home or culture!

Tip 3: Ask for Help when You Need It

You may want to figure out life away from home by yourself. It’s okay to want to learn how to be more independent, but don’t forget that it’s okay to ask for help. As independent as I wanted to be, I wasn’t able to do a lot on my own. Even if it’s something as little as needing tutoring or lofting your bed in your dorm, there is always someone willing to help. There is no shame in needing a helping hand or some kind of support on your journey as an adult.

A lot of homesickness came and went, but I have learned a lot through my almost 4 years of living in Michigan. As a senior, I hope that I can ease some worries and help some students with their adjustment to college. And don’t worry, you’ll feel right at home at SAU like I do now.

 

Written by SAU Marketing student Mikayla Ponce.