Creating a Home Away from Home

Moving to a new country alone has been an exciting experience, however, I cannot deny that its been overwhelming. Everything around me was unfamiliar; the food was different, people did things differently, and even the smallest routines I was used to back home such as my walking route around my neighborhood or going to the local hangout spots had to be reconfigured to fit my new life. I felt out of place for a while and struggled to recognize myself in this new environment. As an international student trying to settle in, here is my guide to creating a familiar, comfortable space in a new environment.

When I first arrived in Canada, my dorm room felt painfully empty. Picture this scene: plain white walls, a small room, an empty desk, and a bed overlooking the wooded Northern landscape. In these first moments, I reflected on how even the view from the window was a different scene to my home country, as the tall, naked, trees stared back at me.

Nothing about my dorm felt like me, and I sat in the emptiness for a couple of hours as I grounded myself in this new reality. I remember unpacking later that night and placing a few small items that I brought from home; a framed picture of my family and a cozy blanket that my mom insisted I bring were the most prominent items I remember from this moment. These little things made a huge difference and continue to remind me of home on days when I feel out of place.

As the days went on, I soon realized that a lot of the emptiness I felt came from not having access to my usual hobbies or routines. Hanging out at familiar spots is a part of home life that I had so much appreciation for once I became an “outsider” in a new town. I had none of these comforts. At first, I spent most of my time in my dorm room, scrolling through social media and feeding my isolation with posts from people I left behind. Then, one day, I engaged with another international student in my apartment complex. That one interaction led me to meet new people and soon, I said yes to more campus activities – most notably, game nights. Amongst these activities, I have found myself drawn to more creative pursuits such as pottery, painting, baking, and have since attracted friends who also enjoy these activities.

Branching out and finding stable hobbies aided in forming new routines that now include more than just academic commitments. Creating a home away from home is not about replacing where you come from, it’s about creating a new home that caters to your environment. Bring things that bring you comfort but also open yourself to the new experiences that come with moving away. After doing this, I realized that this once unfamiliar place finally felt like home.