This upcoming Monday will be the start of week seven of the school year. There’s a lull in the football season, midterms are coming up and there are only 80 some days until Christmas. This is the time of the year where most people (me and I hope some of our readers) start to get homesick. A lot of students went home week 5 (I call this dead week because there is no one on campus) But the few who couldn’t go home have to wait to go home and maybe can’t find a ride. Week 7 is a struggle, and maybe you’ll go home week 8 or 9 but right now you need your double bed, your mom’s chilli (October is the month for chilli, and no one likes chilli other than their mothers) to see your pets and to give your dad a huge hug. So I’ve compiled some useful ways to keep your mind off of going home and help keep the stress of midterms out of the way.
1. DON’T drink your mommy sorrows away. This will only make you more stressed about school and you’ll probably end up getting a cold which will make you more homesick. Instead talk to someone, it might be embarrassing saying you miss home but chances are (especially if you’re a girl) that your friend misses their puppy and their big screen TV too. Try being more active in University events. Homecoming is coming up and is a great way to get involved. Participating in the parade and volunteering for events will keep your mind off of things without the hang over!
2. Relax. If you feel yourself getting upset, go take a walk or go down to the rec center and workout to distress yourself. It’s a known fact that working helps you fall asleep. I know when I’m most homesick it’s right before I go to bed. By doing something that will help you sleep better you can avoid thinking about being homesick when you’re laying in bed. Doing these things will also help keep you less stressed. By being less stressed you will be able to focus more on your homework than how much you’d rather be at home.
3. Plan your trip home. By planning a specific date to come home, or having your parents visit, you’ll get excited and will be able to count down the days of the trip instead of lulling over the fact that you’re never going to see your family again! If you know you can’t go home until Thanksgiving plan a trip with friends. Getting away from dorm life, stinky frat life, or apartment life for a weekend will do you good. Find a ride to visit a friend from home. This will help you get away from your usual environment and help you get the comfort you need.