By: Emily Klingenberg

I still remember the day I moved into my first apartment freshman year. I was excited, nervous and hopeful for all the memories I’d create in my new space. Saying “See you soon!” to my parents, while holding back tears, is something I’ll never forget. I wondered how I’d make Gainesville, Florida, feel like home. Now, after graduating this May, I can see how it truly became my home away from home. 

Taking the time to make a new place feel like home is something special—especially when you’re transitioning to college life. Over the years, moving from my apartment to the Kappa Delta house, I picked up a few ways to create that feeling of comfort and belonging. 

Create a memory board 

Collecting my favorite photos of family and friends, stickers from local coffee shops, and keepsakes from concerts and game days turned into a personal, meaningful tradition. It became more than a hobby—it was a way to capture all the new memories I was making. 

From football game tickets with new friends to notes from my KD sisters, every little piece reminded me of special moments and people. Over time, the board filled up, and I had to start a new one. It was a reflection of how much my life had grown—just like how my idea of home expanded to include Kappa Delta and my college town. 

Schedule call time with loved ones and create a cozy space 

Balancing calls with loved ones during college wasn’t always easy, but setting aside specific times helped me stay connected. My weekly chats with my family let me share all the exciting parts of college, from the highs to the everyday moments. I loved calling my mom before class or after chapter, filling her in on all the details. 

Creating a space to call them was something I also cherished. I loved talking to my mom on a porch swing on campus, but I loved to chat with my sister in the car like we used to do in high school. Creating spaces where I felt at ease made these moments even more special. It was in these spaces that I could stay grounded, connecting my college life with my life back home. Sharing stories about my Kappa Delta sisters or how I aced an exam made those calls even more meaningful.

Find your community and invest in it 

Joining Kappa Delta opened up a world of friendship and support that I never expected. Surrounded by inspiring women who held me accountable and lifted me up, I found a community that became my rock during my college years. 

Prioritizing these relationships helped me see college wasn’t just about academic growth—it was about finding lifelong friends and building memories. Whether it was lounging by the pool on hot Florida days, studying together during finals, or just being there on tough days, my KD sisters were by my side. 

Looking back, I’m so grateful for taking the step to find community through Kappa Delta. It’s what made every next chapter feel like home because I had my sisters beside me every step of the way.