No matter how much you love your college, feeling homesick is inevitable. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of the first two weeks of the semester when you’re reuniting with friends, settling into your new dorm, and enjoying the freedom of syllabus week. That knot- in- your- stomach homesick feeling isn’t just experienced by freshmen. Homesickness is completely normal and fleeting. You are bound to experience moments in the semester where the reality of schoolwork settles in and all you just want is your mom’s cooking and your own bed. Here are some tips to help conquer your homesickness:
1. Get involved.Distractions are key. Volunteering and joining extracurricular activities are an awesome way to keep busy and take your mind off missing home. Your schedule will eventually fill up with meetings to attend. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests.
2. Spend time with friends.It is absolutely ok to admit to your friends that you’re feeling homesick. They most likely have felt the same way before and will be able to help you out of your slump. Take a break from your schoolwork and have FUN. Do activities with your friends at school that you usually partake in when you’re home. Whether you stay in or go out, listening to good music and dancing all night with your friends can solve even the worst of problems.
3. Bring a piece of home to collegeCollege can be your home away from home. Decorating your dorm with photo collages of people and places you love will guarantee to make you feel much more at ease. Being surrounded by familiar faces is sure to make home feel not as far away. Plus, this gives you an excuse to have a DIY Pinterest party with your friends and make your dorm look super cute!
4. Recreate Sunday night dinner with your friendsThey don’t call it “comfort food” for nothing. Food has the ability to make anyone feel better. Spend a night with your friends cooking your favorite meals you usually have at home. Keep in mind that it may not taste the same as your mom’s cooking, but you’ll have fun being with friends. You can all reminisce on your own crazy family dinners!
5. Stay connectedSchedule times to talk to your friends and family either on the phone or through Skype to help reduce your homesickness. Chatting with your friends from back home on a regular basis will help you feel more connected to them even though you’re apart. Yes, it is great to keep in touch, but don’t get too caught up in the lives of people back home. Be present. Enjoy where you are. College flies by and you’ll be permanently home before you know it.