Moving away from home can be a very exciting thing. It represents the first step to a new life, a new start and a new you. However, throughout your time away you can be overwhelmed with homesickness. It can be hard to fight homesickness sometimes, so here on some tips on how to fight it.
1. Decorate your dorm room.
One way to help fight your homesickness is to decorate your dorm room. Decorating makes your room feel like home. Put up posters of your favorite TV shows. Make it Christmas all year round by putting up Christmas lights. Fill your room with pictures of your favorite people from home. Think of the little things that you can add to your room to make them feel like home, and get them! If you do not feel at home in your dorm, you will not feel at home in your college.
2. Get to know your classmates.
Especially if you go to a small college, your classmates are going to be the people you will be with for the next four years. Get to know them. Some of them will become your best friends.
It can be hard to make friends when you are in college. More than likely you had most of the same friends throughout high school and now you have to start from scratch. Having trouble getting started? Ask what their top five favorite TV shows are. There is nothing that college students can relate to more than Netflix.
3. Talk to an upperclassman.
Talking to other freshmen is great, but do not overlook the upperclassmen. Upperclassmen can be intimidating at times, but they have a lot of knowledge about how to handle the first year of college. You would be surprised at how many upperclassmen friends you will have. They may become some of your best friends.
4. Get involved.
Colleges have almost every club under the sun. Join one that sparks your interest. Are you interested in sports? Join an intramural sports team. Real story: I met my college best friend, now roommate, at a club. If I had not gone to a club, I probably would have never met her. Getting involved on campus is your first step to finding your home on campus.
5. You can cry (a little).
Many of you are probably hesitant about this tip, but I really mean it. During your first week away, you will have a roller coaster of emotions. It is unhealthy to keep your emotions held up inside of you, so if you feel that it is absolutely necessary, it is okay to cry. Just do not be that person who cries all the time. If you are that person, I would recommend talking to someone.
6. Netflix and chill.
No, I do not mean the urban dictionary definition of this phrase. I literally mean, watch Netflix and relax. The first few weeks can be overwhelming with social events, so it is okay for you to have some alone time. Watching your favorite TV show is a great way to refresh yourself. Grab your favorite comfort snack, relax and watch your favorite Netflix show.
You are bound to get homesick at some point during your time at college. Don't get discouraged -- everyone goes through it. Follow these tips and never fear -- you'll have a great college career.
