Congratulations. If you're reading this, you have survived the seemingly unending marathon of attending social events, shopping for textbooks, arranging and rearranging your dorm room and changing your schedule for the 40th time. "O-Week" was crammed with so many events, meetings and classes that you barely had time to breathe, let alone think about home.
For many college freshmen, this is the first time experiencing true stay-up-as-late-as-you-want, manage-your-own-time, no-rules freedom. You are given an opportunity to live, act, and think like an adult. Although exciting, the occasional onset of homesickness is inevitable.
The next time you're missing Mom's macaroni and cheese and Eric Carmen's "All By Myself" is playing on repeat in your head, give these tips a try to cure homesickness.
1. Call home occasionally. Naturally you will want to call your parents, and I can guarantee they will want to hear from you. However, be careful not to call too often as it will make the transition even more difficult. If you spend too much time checking in with life at home, you might pass up making memories at school. Try delaying your next call home and take time to appreciate the people around you.
2. Get involved. Wake Forest has clubs, events, and teams for everyone. Within the next few weeks there will be a Student Activities Fair organized on Manchester. Make it a priority to stop by and peruse the booths of the various student groups on campus. Whether you audition for Banshees, join Student Union, register for Recruitment or write for the Old Gold & Black, getting involved will surround you with great people that share similar interests and distract you from any feelings of homesickness.
3. Leave your room. Your perfectly decorated dorm room doesn’t compete with a run through Reynolda gardens, so put down the Netflix and enjoy life on campus and in the community. South Dorm residents, we’re looking at you. Wake Forest events such as Pros Versus Joes, Hit the Bricks, Lighting of the Quad and Awake All Night are supported by students campus wide. By exploring these events instead of hiding in your dorm, you will have less time to feel homesick and might have some fun, too.
4. Establish a routine. Adjusting to a college lifestyle is undeniably difficult. With new sleep patterns, study habits, and interests, it is easy for life to seem chaotic at times. Establish a routine to help you stay on track. This consistency will ease your mind and make the transition easier.
5. Keep a positive attitude. Remind yourself how lucky you are for the opportunity to attend such a prestigious university with a gorgeous campus. Sure, it will be hard at times, but approaching the challenges with a grateful heart is the best cure for homesickness. Stay positive through your first disappointing test grade, roommate disagreement, and whatever else comes your way.
It's important to remember that you are not alone. Your peers are adjusting to the college lifestyle while battling homesickness, too. Don't hesitate to talk to a new friend or your roommate about how you're feeling.
