100 Students were asked: What Makes University Feel Like Home?

Starting university can feel like jumping into the unknown. New city, new people, new everything. So, we asked 100 students across Europe one big question: What makes university feel like home? Their answers were real, honest, and surprisingly similar. Spoiler alert: it’s not just comfy dorm beds or good coffee (though those help too).

Here’s what we learned.

1. Finding “Your People” Is Everything

Across the board, students told us that building friendships was the key to feeling settled. Whether it was meeting a flatmate who shared their love for late-night pasta or joining a club with like-minded people, finding a tribe made all the difference.

“I met my best friend during the introduction week,” said Emma, a second-year student from Belgium. “After that, everything started to click. Suddenly, campus didn’t feel so big or scary.”

Platforms like Studinty were created exactly for this—to help students connect even before day one. Because once you know a few faces, everything gets easier.

2. Routines = Comfort

It might sound boring, but a lot of students said that having a routine made them feel grounded. Knowing when to wake up, where to grab lunch, or having a set study spot gave them a sense of control in a chaotic new world.

“Once I found my favorite café and started going there after lectures, it felt like I had a little ritual,” shared Tomas from Portugal. “That place became my comfort zone.”

Even little routines—weekly movie nights, gym sessions, or weekend markets—can turn unfamiliar places into personal ones.

3. Decor, Snacks, and Spotify Playlists

Yes, we’re getting a bit cozy now. Many students said that bringing little pieces of “home” with them helped—photos, fairy lights, familiar snacks from back home, or playlists that reminded them of friends and family.

“I had this candle my mom always used at home. I brought one with me, and lighting it after a long day just… helped,” said Sofia from Italy.

It’s not about replicating home, but creating your own version of it.

4. Support That Feels Human

Another major theme? Feeling supported—by peers, professors, or student services—made students feel safer and more at home. It wasn’t about perfection, but presence.

“During my first semester, I was super overwhelmed. A professor noticed and actually took the time to check in. That small gesture meant a lot,” said Leila from Austria.

Sometimes, knowing there’s someone to talk to—whether it’s a friend, a mentor, or even a community like Studinty—can turn things around.

5. Being Seen, Heard, and Included

Inclusion came up a lot. Students said they felt most at home when they didn’t have to try so hard to “fit in.”

“It wasn’t one big moment, just small things—someone inviting me to sit with them, a group chat that actually included me,” said Jakub from Slovakia.

Simple acts of kindness and shared experiences go a long way. That’s why introduction weeks—and staying connected after them—matter so much.

Final Thoughts

Feeling at home isn’t about luck—it’s about connection. The students we talked to showed us that it’s the relationships, routines, and small comforts that truly transform a university experience.

At Studinty, we believe that no one should feel alone at university. Whether you’re days away from your first lecture or deep into your second year, it’s never too late to find your people and build your version of “home.”

Let’s make student life more than just lectures and deadlines. Let’s make it a community.