For months, you’ve been performing the spontaneous routine of surviving college.
Wake up, put on required clothing, attend classes, eat something substantial (meaning a tub of ice cream,) and take a nap, or, for the busy people, finally catch a breath. In the midst of this programmed sequence, you start to experience random spurts of nostalgic memories. That funny dance your roommate does to “Can’t Feel My Face” reminds you of your little sister when the “Arthur” theme song comes on. Buying a box of Publix Hot & Spicy chicken wings causes a need for a home-cooked meal to arise. This, my friends, is a description of homesickness.
There is no need to go to the hospital. Urgent Care can’t help you. Binge watching will only do so much. You thought you would never encounter these feelings, but the moment finally arrived. Even though I live about an hour away from home, I still constantly think about my home and can’t wait for the next break, but we all know what happens during holiday breaks. Scientists still have not found a cure but here are some tips for overcoming this chronic emotion:
1. Admit it. You’re homesick.
When you’re with friends and they have confessed they’ve contracted this condition, do not act like you are never homesick. The more you fight the feelings, the more they invade your mindset.
2. Tap into the food bank. (a.k.a. Your Blessed Parents)
The most wonderful feeling is receiving a surprise email from the Post Office requiring you to pick up a package that isn’t $400 worth of books. The next time you speak to your parents, remember to slip in hints about wanting your favorite food from home. You’ll never eat those melt-in-your-mouth chocolate chip cookies if a request is not put in.
3. Have a FULL conversation with your parents (mostly your Mom)
I know it seems as if your parents always call when something important occurs, like that dreamy vanilla baseball player finally texting you back. It's then that your Dad now wants to ask you how your weekend went, and it's Thursday. Regardless of the many inconveniences they may provide, you should never neglect the people that allowed you to enter this curious and desolate society.
4. Go back home
Honestly, if you feel the previous three tips are not sufficient enough, then you should schedule a several appearances to go back home. I am not saying you should transfer to closer college, unless you decide to choose this option, but make sure you have a healthy dosage of normality in the bubble of college life.
If symptoms continue to persist, then try to find solutions to cope. Sometimes I go on YouTube to watch my favorite childhood movies. After a good amount of "The Proud Family" or good ol’ "Finding Nemo," I don’t feel as homesick as before. If you were blessed with the gift of creating cuisine, then cook a sample of a weekday meal.
Having homesickness does not have to overtake your life. It is not curse or a burden to want a taste of pre-College life every once awhile. This medicine cannot be found over-the-counter, but where the heart is <insert a harmonizing chorus of awwww’s>.
