So we’ve passed the one-month mark of our time in college and maybe you’re still struggling to adjust to school. While feeling homesick is completely normal, it is also a debilitating feeling that can get in the way of making new friends, getting good grades, and feeling comfortable at DePauw in general. Whether you’re a freshman living on your own for the first time, or a senior who’s had four years to adjust, we all get hit with that home sick feeling that makes want to jump into our car or the nearest train and head for home. So instead of resorting to a trip home every weekend, check out some of these tips to help make you feel a bit better.
1. Stay in contact with people from home
Call your parents, text your siblings, tweet at friends. Little things like this, even the smallest forms of contact, can make a big difference in how you feel on a daily basis. Keep a group message going between all your friends from home, or maybe even with your family members. Use it to say hi, tell a story, to send a funny picture, anything!
2. Make plans
Making plans way in advance can give you something to look forward too. Setting a date to see your friends or family will keep you from panicking that you’re losing contact with all your loved ones from home. Plan to come home the same weekend as friends from other school, or all buy tickets to the same concerts and attend together.
3. Use social media
The beauty of our generation is our enhanced ability to stay connected with each other through the Internet. Tweet at friends, Instagram pictures, use Facebook chat. Just maybe not while you’re trying to get that homework done, because we all know how that turns out.
4. Get involved!
There is no better way to pass time or keep your mind busy than by getting involved on campus. Join an organization or a club, or do some volunteering! DePauw has plenty of opportunities for this. You can find out more information about this through the Student Life Office. It’s also a great way to make friends.
5. Be friendly.
Branch out and talk to new people. Make plans with them. The more fun you’re having, the less you’ll be thinking about how much you miss home.
6. DO visit home (occasionally.)
It IS okay to go home every now and then. We all need that break away from school now and then. Take a weekend to see your family, eat a real meal, and just relax before returning to your hectic college life. After visiting home a couple times, you surprisingly may even find yourself homesick for DePauw.
7. If all fails, and you can’t seem to adjust, go talk to someone.
RAs, mentors, advisors, and our Student Life Office is more than happy to talk to you about this, and will even set you up with a counselor if you feel the need to see one.
Remember, adjustment takes time. Everyone struggles with homesickness now and then. College is a time for both academic growth AND social/personal development. Give yourself time, follow these tips, and remember that it WILL get easier!