Moving is hard. Whether it鈥檚 within the same city, between provinces, or across the world, the transition takes work. Here are my top 10 things that might help make your home a little cozier and the shift into grad school life a little easier.
10. Some sort of cart
This one is more practical than cozy but it鈥檚 worth it and your back will thank you later. I use mine all the time for groceries, laundry, and hauling library books to and from school.
9. External hard drive
Yes, you probably already have this on your list but here is your reminder to back up all the hard work you鈥檙e doing. It is a nightmare when tech fails. Believe me, you do not need that extra stress.
8. A nice bar of soap
I use Roger and Gallet鈥檚 rose soap. It brings me joy every time I use it, keeps my home smelling lovely and reminds me of my mom. As a bonus, it keeps germs away. Who has time to be sick in grad school?
7. Favorite tea and mug
A perfect cup of tea is my comfort but maybe coffee or another hot drink is yours. Whatever it is, bring your favorite brand with you, along with your favorite mug for home and a travel mug for long days on campus.
6. A plant or some seeds
Plants bring life and warmth into your space and purify the air. We all need something to nurture and help grow.
5. Twinkle lights
My apartment is full of them. Their warm glow keeps me company during late night writing sessions and helps get me through the long winters.
4. Library card(s)
Yes, you will get a Queen鈥檚 library card see:
But don鈥檛 stop there. Getting a Kingston library card and keeping your home library card active gives you even more access to books, audiobooks, and resources.
3. Recipes & flavors from home
When you need a pick-me-up or feel far from home, food has a way of healing and connecting. Ozlem once shared her Turkish recipe for 惭眉肠惫别谤 with us and all I can say is yum!
2. Photos of family and friends or art by them
I鈥檓 lucky that many of my friends are artists so their work fills my walls while my surfaces hold framed photos of family and friends. Being surrounded makes everyone feel less far away.
1. Support systems
If you can physically bring your family or a friend with you, it makes a big difference. Grad school is lonely. I鈥檓 lucky to have my dog Charlie with me see: The Grad School Survival Secret? It鈥檚 Just Three Letters: D-O-G. If you can鈥檛 bring them, make sure you have a good phone plan and WhatsAPP to keep in touch with your support network, including your friends, family, mentors. They all help make the journey a little better.
Grad school might not come with a survival kit, so this year on Gradifying I鈥檒l make you one. Check back for more essentials, tips, and small joys that make the journey a little easier.