Bagels, New Jersey pizza, and Turkey Gobblers were just a few things that gave me a wave of nostalgia during my first year away at college. Yes, it may seem like it is just food that I missed, but I also missed the people I shared that food with and the memories we made. Being away from family and friends is really hard, especially if it’s the first time experiencing the detachment. Here are some of the ways that I overcame my bout of homesickness and transitioned to make Fairfield my new home.
Getting involved: I realized that the best way to keep busy was to start joining clubs. After some searching, I was able to find great organizations on campus (shout out to Her Campus) that were the right fit for me. Through these, I found people who were passionate about what we were doing and made great friends that I still hold dear to this day.
Keeping the door open: No matter what year you are, keeping the door open (literally) is a great way to meet new people. Often times I find myself sad in my room and would just want to call home to check-in. In order to stop myself from that, I would take a quick walk down my hall. If I saw an open door, I would stop by and say hi. Those simple hellos lead me to meet a girl who lived a town away (who later became my traveling home buddy) and her roommate who became my partner in crime.
Exercising: Elle Woods was correct when she said that working out makes your body feel good. It’s a great way to de-stress, and get your mind off things. It’s understandable that we all have our bad days, but a simple run helps when you’re not feeling your best.
Know Your Resources: Counseling and Psychological Services are a great resource if you’re feeling like your not adjusting well. For reference, they are located in Dolan Hall next to the Health Center. They have a well-trained staff that is there to help if you need (you can make an appointment if you’d like or drop by during walk in hours).
Resident Assistants can also help you with your concerns or to just check-in. It may seem weird to be close with your RA but keeping the lines of communication open doesn’t hurt. You never know, she may be the only person with a car on campus if you ever get stuck in town and need a ride back. Lastly, for our first year readers, New Student Leaders are a great source as well. You may not be close with your NSL personally, but know that they are always there for you for whatever you may need.
Being away from home can be difficult but with a positive attitude and willingness to make the best out of the situation, it can be a successful transition. We’ve all been there, but don’t worry it does get better!!