Your first weekend alone in college is a whirlwind of emotions, and it’s totally normal to feel a mix of excitement, nervousness, and even loneliness. But fear not! This is your opportunity to embrace independence and start building a new college life. Here’s how I made it through my first weekend alone and found a balance between adjusting to my new reality and having fun.
It’s Normal to Feel Lonely in College
If you are sitting in your dorm, feeling like you are the only one who has not made a hundred new friends yet, you are not alone. According to a study by Talkspace [1], feelings of loneliness are extremely common among college students, particularly during the first few weeks. It seems that everyone else is settling effortlessly, but in reality, many students struggle to adjust.
It is okay to feel homesick or out of place at first— this is part of the process. The key is to accept that loneliness is both normal and temporary. While it may take some time to fully acclimate, there are many ways to turn your solo weekend into a positive, self-rejuvenating experience.
Tips for Enjoying Your First Free Weekend at College
Even if it feels a little strange at first, having a free weekend is a perfect opportunity to focus on yourself. Here are a few ways I turned my first college weekend into a refreshing experience.
Start with a Morning Self-Care Routine
Kick off your weekend with self-care. Whether it is a calming skincare routine, a short meditation session, or a refreshing morning jog, doing something for yourself will set the tone for the rest of the day. For instance, I found that blogging helped me organize my thoughts and ease any anxiety about the newness of college life.
Additionally, kicking off the weekend with a mindful morning routine can set the tone for a more productive and positive day. According to Forbes [2], a structured morning routine can help students reduce stress and boost focus, which is crucial during college transition. Consider starting your day with simple habits such as drinking a glass of water to rehydrate, performing a quick stretch or yoga session to wake up your body, and taking five minutes to practice gratitude or mindfulness. These small but powerful actions can help you center yourself before diving into your day, ensuring that you feel refreshed and ready to tackle whatever college life throws your way.
Clean and Organize Your Dorm Room
A clean, organized space can enhance mental clarity, especially when adjusting to a new environment. Using a simple dorm cleaning checklist, such as the one recommended by OctoClean [3], can help break the process into manageable tasks. Start by dusting surfaces, wiping down your desk, and disinfecting high-touch areas, such as door handles and light switches. Do not forget to vacuum or sweep the floor to keep your room fresh. Organize your closet and desk drawers to declare and maximize your space. Having a tidy dorm room not only makes it feel more like a home, but also creates a peaceful environment where you can relax and focus on your studies.
Binge-Watch Your Favorite Shows
There is no shame for having a lazy afternoon. Curling up with a blanket and diving into a good series was exactly what I needed. I spent part of my first weekend binge watching “Stranger Things” on Netflix, but you could also revisit an old favorite like “The Office” or explore something new on Amazon Prime. This is a simple and comfortable way to relax and unwind
Take a Walk Around Campus
Exploring your campus when it is quieter is an awesome way to familiarize themselves with your new environment. I grabbed my headphones and took a stroll, finding hidden spots such as peaceful study corners and campus cafés. Walking around also gave me a sense of where everything was, so I felt more comfortable navigating busy weekdays.
Have Lunch with Your New Friends
If you have already met new friends in your dorm or classes, invite them to grab lunch. It does not have to be anything fancy—a casual cafeteria meetup is a great way to bond and get to know people better. I realized that everyone was just as eager to make new friends, so I do not hesitate to reach out to others and plan something low pressure.
Re-Connect with Old Friends
If you are feeling nostalgic and miss your friends from home, why do you not organize a murder mystery party? I gathered a group of high school friends and played the game together. It was a blast reconnecting, laughing, and solving puzzles together, and it reminded me that no matter how far we were, friendships could stay strong.
By the end of my first weekend, I felt more comfortable and had settled in my new college life. I had a balanced mix of relaxation, productivity, and social time, proving that your solo weekends do not have to be lonely or bored. However, it is important to remember that you do not need to accomplish everything simultaneously. College is a marathon, not a sprint, and you will have countless weekends ahead to explore, make friends, and try new things. Pace yourself and enjoy each moment as it comes; there is no rush. Whether you spend your time watching a show, hanging out with friends, or simply recharging you, every weekend offers a fresh opportunity to shape your college experience. This was the beginning of an exciting journey.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links
References
- LCSW-R JED. Feeling Lonely in College? Here’s Why & What to Do [Internet]. Talkspace. 2023. Available from: https://www.talkspace.com/blog/loneliness-in-college/
- Tompkins J. Mastering Your Morning Routine In Online College: Tips and Resources. Forbes [Internet]. 2024 Mar 8 [cited 2024 Sep 22]; Available from: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/student-resources/morning-routine-for-students/
- Gomes A. Clean Your College Dorm Room with This Checklist – OctoClean [Internet]. OctoClean. 2023 [cited 2024 Sep 22]. Available from: https://octoclean.com/blog/clean-your-college-dorm-room-with-this-checklist/
Leave a Reply