Heading off to college or university can be overwhelming — there are so many changes to get used to. However, by fitting a few essential tasks into your first week, you’ll quickly feel at home.

Find someone to attend events with from the start. This can be someone you already know (if only slightly) or a new person you run into. It doesn’t even matter if you stop being friends after the first week. Having someone by your side early on will give you confidence.

The more people you meet, the less lonely you’ll feel and the sooner you’ll find life-long friends. Make contacts with people who live nearby, students taking the same classes as you, and anyone else you click with.

Your first week at college or university will be your least busy. It’s your chance to enjoy activities and socialize as much as possible, before the hard work kicks in. You never know, you may try a new activity that turns out to become a major passion.

Whether you’re living in Brock University residence or in a student apartment, make an effort to meet the people around you. If you’re living on campus, talk to everyone on your floor. If you’re in off- campus housing, meet your neighbors.Brock University residence

Developing relationships will help with everything from avoiding problems (like arguments about loud music) to providing you with a contact to let you in if you forget your key.

Walk around campus and familiarize yourself with where everything is. Know exactly where your classes will be before your first day to avoid getting lost and arriving late.

Start planning your schedule as soon as you know your classes. Plan when you will sleep, study, and socialize. Most importantly, remember that your schedule is not set in stone.

If you start a class that you dislike or find too difficult, drop it and find something else, unless you need that class to graduate.

All of the above is easier if you are comfortable — and that requires a place to come back to at the end of the day that feels like home. If you’re looking for a room for rent near Niagara College, consider Regent Student Living. room for rent near Niagara College

It is right by campus, has everything you need on site, and allows you to be around other students but still have your own independent living quarters.