Moving away from away from home to live basically on your own can be exciting, but it can also be a tougher transition than most people think. You might’ve felt ecstatic all those days leading up to move-in day, but later feel upset because you actually miss home. If you find yourself suffering from homesickness, here are a few tips to help you get through it!
1. FaceTime and phone calls
Take advantage of your mobile devices and use them to call home as much as you want. Hearing familiar voices is always a treat, no matter how far away you are from your family and friends.
2. Get out of your room!
Although Face-Timing and phone calls may help, sometimes this can worsen your feelings of homesickness, so you don’t want to make this an unhealthy habit. Get out of your room every so often; study outdoors, or have lunch with friends on campus. Do adventurous and fun things while you’re here that’ll take your mind off of what you may be missing at home.
3. Make college your home
College should be a fun experience and ultimately, your home away from home. Try and make a life for yourself here that somewhat replicates your life at home. That could mean making new friends, getting involved on campus, or going to events that excite you. Go do things that interest you!
4. Visit home when you can
Take a break from school work and visit home frequently. For those who live farther away where frequent trips just aren’t realistic, plan trips home in advance from time to time. It’ll also help to have this to look forward to.
5. Let yourself be sad for a moment
It’s okay to acknowledge when you’re really struggling with feelings of sadness. Allow yourself moments to embrace your sadness when you’re really down about missing home, but don’t dwell on it for too long! Give yourself at least a day every once in a while, but be sure to make those steps that’ll help you move on.