For some, going away to college is the first time they have lived away from
home. It might even be the first time you've moved in your life. It is normal to
feel some homesickness at some point and long to be back in a place where you
were more comfortable and sure of your own role. Once you get over this hurdle,
though, you'll find yourself with a new sense of independence and self-identity.
It really is an exciting thing.
Staying in Contact
Depending on your
emotional constitution, staying in constant contact with friends and family back
home can either contribute to or decrease your homesickness. For some, the
contact could prevent them from making meaningful connections in their new
surroundings, as they are content to more or less live in the past. This would
be very unfortunate, since those new connections are the most effective weapon
against homesickness. For others, however, consistent contact with friends and
family can quell their worries about life carrying on without them, or provide
them the emotional support they need to make a go of it on their own.
Giving It an Honest Shot
Ultimately, what is going to prevent
homesickness and encourage you to be comfortable at school is giving everything
an honest shot. By raising your expectations of yourself and the life you can
lead at school, you'll be more open to new experiences, new relationships, and
maybe even a slightly newer you. This is not to say that you completely abandon
the relationships and lifestyle you had at home, but you do need to build a life
for yourself where you are.
Giving Yourself Time
Some people can adapt to new situations
extremely quickly, make friends really fast, and move forward without much
thought. Not everyone is like this; it is not the norm. If you find that you are
frustrated with homesickness and displacement, remember to be patient with
yourself and your environment. It could be a little while before you find a
circle of friends you really connect with or feel that you
know
your campus as well as you know your hometown.
TIP: If you find that your homesickness
is having a strong negative effect on you, there should be counseling available
to students somewhere on your campus. Seek help if you need it.
Care Packages
Of course, if you're really homesick, you could
drop a few hints and see if your parents or friends will send you a care
package. If you miss your mother's baking or a certain kind of soda you can only
get at home, you might just find them in the mail in a few days. Sometimes these
little creature comforts can go a long way toward making us feel more at home in
a strange place.
The most important part of dealing with homesickness is
trying to live your life. It's perfectly natural and normal to have these
feelings from time to time, but don't give in to them! There is a whole new
world out there to be enjoyed and explored by you, but only you can get yourself
out there.
