This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Rhodes chapter.
Throughout my first semester of college, I had my fair share of homesick days. At first, I had no clue how to deal. A lot of times you hear advice like, “just enjoy where you are!” which can be unhelpful if you’re already trying so hard to do that very thing. I decided to comprise a list of the practical things that you can do when you miss home. They’re things that almost always make me feel better, and I hope they will make you feel better, too!
- Go to your favorite coffee shop, order a comforting latte, and sit down in the crowded room that is a coffee shop. Read, write, study– do whatever you need to do. Getting out and realizing that you’re a real person, not just a student, is so important. Also, being in a space where so many people are working on so many different things is inspiring.
- Go on a run and listen to your favorite album, the whole way through. Not only will you feel better because you exercised, but your favorite album feels safe and like home.
- For me, Facetiming my family or best friends makes me feel less homesick. I know for some people this isn’t the case, so whatever works for you. But never feel like you’re talking to your friends and family at home too much, especially your first year of college. You’ve done a lot of adjusting already, so it makes sense that you want to also feel connected to home.
- You will never feel bad after doing something for someone else. Whether that’s buying someone’s coffee, writing a note to a friend telling them how much you love them, or making cookies and delivering them to your friend’s dorm– making others feel loved and known is a great way to feel fulfilled. Also, how great is it that you don’t have to go anywhere to do this! Right now, you can make someone feel more included– that’s such a big deal.
- Exploring the town or city around you is really fun. Going to the local bookstore, trying out a local lunch spot, or even finding a place where you go for certain things (like to get your eyebrows waxed) can make your college town or city feel more like home. At home, you had go-to places, so it helps to have favorite spots at college, too! Also, it’s the best feeling when an employee starts to remember your name at the spots you frequent.