I remember being homesick almost every day during my first semester of college. I was constantly upset and spent my days in my room or in bed looking at pictures of home and my friends. I kept telling myself that I wasn't happy at school, and I just wanted to be home. Also, I really missed the home cooked meals... like, ALOT. Looking back on that, I've come to realize that those feelings I had were just part of the difficult transition from high school to college. For some people it might be easy, but for others, it can be very hard to adjust to a new life on their own.

One important thing that you can do to not feel so homesick is to try to get involved on campus. Whether that be joining a club, getting a job, joining a sports club team, looking at frats or sororities, there are so many things you can do that can distract you and make you feel involved. It can give you a new perspective on things and make you feel happier if you are busy and doing something that you love to do!

Being more involved on campus can also allow you to meet new people. I remember I had a really tough time making friends my first year of college. The people on my floor in my dorm did not talk so much, so I only had my roommate and some girls who lived next door. I always felt very lonely and that caused me to feel more and more homesick. Well, by putting yourself out there and getting involved, you could meet new people that can be your friends or even best friends! Having close people by your side will make the campus feel smaller and more like home. Friends can help you overcome your feelings of being homesick, and might actually make you not want to go home!

Another important thing that everyone should do no matter what, is to focus on yourself! I know, being homesick can make you feel sad, hurt, and like you don't want to do anything. However, college is the only time you will ever be surrounded by so many people of your same age, so many opportunities, so much freedom, and thousands of things to do and learn from. Focus on you! Workout a lot, take a bunch of cool classes, try new foods, watch movies with friends, go out and party, study and do well in school. Take advantage of the freedom and opportunities you have, because these 4 years will never happen again!

Being homesick sucks, I know. Even if you do everything that I said, you could still feel homesick, but that is okay. It is a normal feeling that you could have for a very long time. I know I still have it from time to time, and I am a sophomore in college! Just know that there are so many things you can do to put those feelings to the side for a bit. There really is no place like home, but you can make any place feel close to home if you really try.