It’s a feeling most college students have experienced: that knot in the pit of your gut when you think of your family and friends back home.

The sound of a father’s voice or the warmth of a mother’s smile can be experienced over video chat, but it’s never the same. Joking with friends from back home over Facebook, however fun, can feel almost empty.

I’ve spent countless nights lying in bed thinking of home, but doing that only makes the knot tighter.

Is there a distinct set of survival tips every student away from home should follow? The simple answer is no, but here are a few to consider.

Try to ignore the feeling of loneliness. Easier said than done, right? It may seem difficult, but once you focus your attention on other things, the loneliness will begin to fade.

Find something that makes you smile. There are many things you can do, but whatever you choose, make sure you have people there beside you. Try to make new friends. It can be hard at first, but once you build up the courage to approach someone, you may find yourself with a new lifelong friend.

Establish a bond with a small group of people. A wise man once said, “A friend to everyone is a friend to no one.” If you make friends with a core group of people, you’ll always know who you can count on and won’t feel like you’re pulled in too many directions.

Join a club. There’s a reason Creighton has many different clubs and organizations, and every student can find at least one to join. Clubs can help open your mind to new people and experiences, but be sure not to spread yourself too thin. Look into a few and pick the ones you really want to be a part of. It’s good to find a place where you can belong, and clubs can lead to some of the best college experiences.

Study. Submerging yourself in your books and papers can be oddly soothing. When you’re dedicating your entire being to understanding what “Markovnikov’s rule” is, you really don’t have much time to daydream about your dog. Although studying may not be the most entertaining thing you can do with a Sunday night, it’s an effective and productive way to keep your mind busy.

Being new to campus can be tough, and everyone at Creighton knows that feeling. I remember the first day of class and timidly stuttering, “H-Hi, uh—where is Hixon-Lied 361?” We all had to ask directions at one point. Do you honestly believe that every sophomore, junior, AND senior came to Creighton knowing where everything was? We’ve all been there, and we’ve all had that knot before. The best thing you can do is step out of your comfort zone and talk to people. Creighton is a very friendly place, so get to know it a little better.