As a freshman in college, I didn't think I would get homesick. I thought I was going to have the time of my life right off the bat. Trust me, freshman year is certainly a blast, but chances are you will experience homesickness at times, so here are nine ways to deal with being homesick if and when it hits!
1. Get involved on campus.
There are so many ways to get involved at school! Check out a student organization expo (chances are there will be one at most schools during welcome week) or try searching your school’s website! You can find all different types of organizations and browse for your perfect match.
2. Get involved in the community.
There are several different ways to do this including finding a job off campus or doing community service. It is a great way to keep yourself busy and meet new people.
3. Take advantage of freshmen events.
It can be hard being in a new place where you know zero to only a handful of people. Universities hold Welcome Week events for incoming students. ATTEND THEM. Sure, you might think they’re lame (and they might be), but they’re still great opportunities to meet other new students. You can bond over how dumb they are together.
4. Avoid staying in your room.
Locking yourself in your room whenever you have down time can make homesickness so much worse. So, get out of bed. Go out and explore your new campus or, at the very least, head to the library, quad or a coffee shop.
5. Maintain your health.
Make sure you go to the rec and eat well! Keeping yourself healthy is important. If you feel down, chances are that you will want to be home for someone to take care of you. This is the worst kind of homesick there is!
6. Make plans.
If you have plans with someone, you are sure to get out and about or at least have company while staying in. Having someone else to talk to will keep your mind off missing home.
7. Talk to someone.
If the homesickness gets bad, don't be afraid to admit it. Your RA can be a great resource and universities often have student health centers that include affordable counselors. If you need to, go speak to one! They have additional tips that can be extremely helpful.
8. Know that you're not alone and that it will be OK.
Statistically, 95 percent of first-year students report experiencing some level of homesickness. It is important that you realize that you're not the only one. It might be hard at times, but you will come to enjoy being at school!
9. Focus on the positive!
Be sure to realize how many amazing things are happening while you're away. You are in a new place making new friends! How perfect is that!? Don't take these experiences for granted. Next thing you know, you will be missing school while you're home for the summer.
Looking back with half my college career behind me, I have realized that college goes by far too fast and is way too amazing to pass my time moping about missing home. Enjoy the time you have both at home with your family and at school, and best of luck with your freshman year!
