No matter who you are or where you come from in life, moving out of your parents’ home and to college is a big deal. This milestone of life is amazing but also has its negative parts; namely, homesickness.

If you claim that the first night lying in your dark dorm room with a stranger sleeping only feet away from you was not one of the saddest nights of your young adult life, then you are most likely lying.

There is a possibility that I only feel this way because I grew up in a supporting, loving family. My parents are two of my best friends and spending time with them is something I’ve always cherished instead of dreaded. My younger brothers can be annoying and obnoxious, but at the end of the day, they are two pretty amazing young people.

Moving away from the people I was surrounded by my entire life was no easy task.

I vividly remember the first week of my time here in college. Each person I talked to would mention their family and friends and the fact that they missed them. Many people even decided to go home for one of the very early weeks of the semester.

It seemed as if everyone was clinging to those around them as a way to distract themselves from the fact that this was not yet home, and these people were still strangers.

The fact is that homesickness is just simply a part of college. It eventually will fade as you adjust, find your new people and settle into a routine.

After this, you will only occasionally feel homesick, and that is just on days when you miss something happening in your hometown or see your old friends doing something without you. Even when this happens, it will be a fleeting moment because you know that life is about growing up and changing and where you are now is the place you are meant to be.

For myself, I only find myself feeling homesick after actually going home. It’s as if I’m reminded each time of how comforting it is to be there with my family and close friends and this feeling sticks with me even after I’m back in my dorm.

Whenever you do find yourself feeling nostalgic for your childhood bedroom or your grandmother’s cooking, distract yourself by getting busy. Hang out with your new group of friends and let them bring your mind back to where you are now instead of where you used to be.

Or, allow yourself to ride out the feeling.

You know it won’t last forever because you are no longer supposed to be there. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be; in college, working towards chasing your dreams and goals.