Homesickness freshman year is inevitable. Not everyone will talk about it, but everyone will experience it in some form. Being away from your family, friends, pets, and everything else you’ve ever known is what makes freshman year a challenge. However, there is good news: it gets better. You will be homesick at various times throughout all four years of college, but it will get easier to manage. It simply takes time and effort to get through the beginning of freshman year, but in the end it will all be worth it.
We’ve all been there before; all you want to do is sit in your room and sulk in your sadness. But believe us, you won’t be doing yourself any good if you do that. Here are some tips to help combat homesickness:
- Keep yourself busy
The busier you are, the less you will think about home. Go to the library to do your homework, exercise at the gym, and take advantage of the activities on campus.
- Get involved on campus
Join a club! Her Campus Bryant meets every Tuesday at 5:30 in Heritage! Try an intermural sport or audition for the play. There are so many clubs and organizations on every college campus, you are desitned to find something that interests you. Getting involved will help you make friends that will become your support system when you miss your hometown family and friends.
- Set up a time to talk to your family
It is not always a good idea to talk to your family too much, but setting up a time once or twice a week to call or FaceTime your family will help you stay connected. In addition, if your family lives close enough to school, ask them if they can visit you, rather than you going home at the first chance you get.
- Personalize your room
Dorm rooms can often feel like a prison cell without the right decorations. Add pictures and canvases to the walls to brighten up the place. Check out our tips for decorating a dorm room without using tapestry. Make your bed feel as comfy as your bed at home with many blankets and pillows. Use the same air fresheners that you use in your house. Your room will feel just like home in no time.
- Find some alone time
Sometimes college can be a little too much to handle when you are surrounded by people 24/7. Find a time when you know your roommate won’t be in the room and savor the alone time to dance around listening to Taylor Swift, watch your favorite movie without headphones, or read a book in the peace and quiet.
While there is no place like home, hopefully over time your school will feel like home. Homesickness is just a bump in the road. Before you know it, the school year will be over and you won’t want to leave!