Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown – it’s natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home.
Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, it can make you feel a deep desire to return to the people and situations you know best.
The good news is that homesickness goes away eventually. As you gradually get used to your new surroundings, you’ll grow more comfortable. You’ll also gain a sense of confidence and independence by knowing that you can learn to adjust. Here are some tips to help ease your transition.
Accept that things will be different, but different isn’t bad or wrong. Part of maturing is learning to be flexible in different situations, so this is all part of the process of preparing you for a fantastic future.
Bring a piece of home. Pack special items that remind you of home and give you comfort like your pillow, stuffed animals, pictures, posters, music, and specialty food items.
Focus on what you’re gaining. Instead of thinking about everything you’re missing, focus on what you’re gaining by being away. Think about all the new experiences you can share with friends and family when you return.
Know that you’re not alone. Everyone who is new is in the same boat so find a buddy to go exploring. Walk around and learn the campus and city. The more familiar you become with your new surroundings, the more your feelings of homesickness will fade.
Keep in touch. You’re never more than a call or click away from friends and family. Make an effort to explore and learn new things about your environment so you can share your experiences with them.
Get involved. Join a club, study group, or find a part-time job that will get you involved with other people. Knowing that you will see the same faces and interact on a regular schedule helps a lot.
Plan a visit. Invite friends and family to visit you and act as their tour guide. It also helps to schedule a trip back home, but avoid going home every weekend. You’ll gain more confidence by sticking it out and finding new things to do.
Talk about your feelings. Homesickness is natural. It doesn’t mean you are weak, only that you have experienced love and security in your home life – and that’s a good thing! If you find you are having trouble coping, talk to a friend, roommate, RA, or a campus counselor.
It’s important to acknowledge your feelings rather than keep them inside. You are definitely not the first student to experience homesickness, and by sharing what you’re going through with others, you’ll find even more ways to start to adjust.
About the Author
Susan Fee is a licensed counselor, business coach, and communications expert. She is the author two tips booklets, “Positive First Impressions: 83 Ways to Establish Confidence, Competence, and Trust” and “Dealing With Difficult People: 83 Ways to Stay Calm, Composed, and in Control.” She has also written a college survival guide, “My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy!” Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell” (Adams Media). She can be reached at www.susanfee.com or www.myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com. Susan Fee may be contacted at http://www.susanfee.com or Susan_Fee@msn.com
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Tips for Homesick College Students
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Posted for r0ckergirl14 (by John)
College life is indeed a lot of fun. But even the most “at-home” students tend to feel homesick every now and then.
You can only imagine how hard it is for some freshmen to be so far away from home.
Here are a few tips on dealing with homesickness in college: http://www.collegeinvasiontoday.com/dealing-with-homesickness-in-college
I agree with the above. College life is fun, but you always need that “at-home” from time-to-time.
I send my two sons care packages all the time…this really seems to give them a boost when I talk to them.
I use http://www.boxobox.com. They are great, my two sons love them, and they rave about the Retro care package and I think the Birthday one too.
Thanks for your comments… I have a daughter in college and my wife and I, along with her sisters work as a team to make sure that she has the things she needs. We don’t meet her every need, but we try to employ the “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child” concept…
John
http://www.CollegeTidbits.com
http://www.The-Savvy-Woman.com
http://www.JohnzPCHut.com
Thank you for posting this. It is helping me out alot. I’m leaving for college in 4 weeks, and I’m starting to feel overwhelmed with so many emotions, and I havent even left home yet :/