Welcome to Oxford!
Welcome home! In August many students, faculty, staff, and community members will begin calling Oxford home. Transitioning to a new home can feel both exciting and overwhelming. While you may be eager to explore all that your new town has to offer, you may also experience a sense of loss for the familiar faces and places you left. The acclimation process varies for everyone, but here are a few things that might help you to settle into your new surroundings:
Pack favorites: Bring items that make you feel comfortable in your new room/home. Favorite pictures, scents, blankets, and favorite snacks may help reduce stress that comes with moving in general. Including these familiar comforts and memories in your new space will create a sense of home from the start.
Research your new town: Find the basics first - where is the grocery store, bank, nearest gas station, and emergency medical care. Look for amenities like libraries, parks, coffee shops (a basic need for some), and shopping destinations after you are familiar with the basics.
Explore: Be a tourist for a day. Check out websites for the area and make time to explore the landmarks and popular spots. Look into restaurants that feel familiar as well as those offering a new cuisine experience. Ask locals what their favorite spots are.
Get social: Social media has made it even easier to learn what’s going on in town. Follow community groups that pique your interest and choose a few trusted profiles for your news and information. Connect with old friends who may be in the area and with new friends you meet along the way.
Enjoy hobbies: You should make an effort to continue hobbies you enjoy. This is a great way to meet new people with common interests. Introduce yourself, and let them know you are new to town. Ask about any unique information about your hobby in Oxford, and share any relevant previous experiences you have had. Being new to town may give you the courage to try a new hobby. Go for it!
Get involved: One of the biggest factors in feeling welcome in a new community is finding ways to get involved. Finding an established group, whether off or on campus, is key to becoming integrated into the community. Greek life is a common way for college students to get involved, but there are hundreds of groups in the community that you can explore whether you want to volunteer for a cause important to you, find a church home, explore leadership opportunities, or seek academic or social connections.
Check-in: Make sure you stay connected to your family and friends from home. Share your new experiences and friendships with them. It is normal to miss home but commit to embracing your new community too. Schedule trips to visit but make sure you aren't going home just to avoid getting out of your comfort zone.
Be patient: There are ups and downs with any move. Getting in a groove will take some trial and error. Remember to reach out for support if you are struggling to adjust or feeling lonely. Your community has shaped and influenced you, and in time, Oxford will too.
Community members who bring fresh perspectives from their experiences elsewhere are part of what make Oxford, and any town, special. I encourage you to embrace differences, and be curious about others and new experiences. We can’t wait to show you our Oxford!