In my first eighteen years of life, I never left home or my family for a very long period of times - at most, a week or two while on vacation with friends. I was a homebody; I loved my bed, my mom, and my dogs. So, when I decided to go to college 450 miles away, everyone, including myself, was shocked.
My first few weeks in college, I didn't think about home too much. I was soaring sky high meeting new friends and enjoying the new freedom I newly obtained. Then I realized - I was stranded. All my friends would leave for home on the weekend and I didn't have that option. Everybody here had a connection to something - they know all about the local towns and so many people, and I'm constantly asking "Where's that?" Needless to say, the homesickness slowly sets in.
So here are my tips for you:
1. Call Your Mom
Even though it slightly hurts to hear her voice, you'll feel a lot better afterwards. My mom always knew what to say to make me feel better.
2. Remember Your New Friends
I was so used to thinking of my friends back home as my only friends, then I realized, I made so many new ones here. As I was look through my phone, I had so many new numbers and new Snapchats. I realized most of the people I talked to now are from school. I made a community here.
3. Get Involved
I know it sounds corny, but getting involved in your college does help. Expanding your community and finding other people who interested in the things as you. Things get so much better once you find your people.
4. Talk About It
Everyone wants their peers to think they are having the time of their lives in college, so it becomes a sort of taboo to talk about missing home. I was surprised how many of my friends (at college and from home) were homesick. Everyone will experience at one point in time, so don't feel ashamed to open up about it.
I know being homesick sucks, and it truly never goes away, but it certainly gets better. I'm proud of myself for trying something new and going far away. Just stick to your gut, and remember, home is just a phone call away.
