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How to Overcome Homesickness in College

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at WVU chapter.

The time finally comes when you find yourself stuffing your parent’s truck to the brim with the remains of the last 18 years of your life. Many people that go off to college are bound to feel homesick at some point, so here are 5 ways you can overcome it and enjoy your college years.

1. Hit the books.

Keep your mind off of home and hit the books. It’s a win-win situation- you’ll get a 4.0 while keeping yourself together. The busier you stay, the less time there will be to have a mental breakdown.

2. Meet new people.

Don’t be afraid to “cheat” on your hometown friends and make some new ones! They’re the ones you will be spending most of your time with crying over exams and binge watching Netflix episodes.

3. Work out.

Hit the gym to maybe work off that entire bag of Cheez-its you ate last night. If you’re stressing out about home, there’s no better place to work it off. Not only will it distract you, but you’ll also steer clear of the dangerous freshman 15.

 

  1. Get involved.

Join as many clubs and activities that you find an interest in. These clubs will keep you busy and help you make friends. These can also be great resume builders, and help with experience for your major.

 

  1. Party!

Nothing beats getting ready with your new best friends on a Saturday night and hitting the town. It will be one less night hiding away in your dark dorm on Netflix wrapped up in a blanket with three boxes of Cheez-its beside you. So put on your favorite lip gloss and see what the college nightlife is all about.

College will be some of the best years of your life. I hope these tips help you overcome your homesickness!

Alexa is a junior at West Virginia University, studying honors public relations with a minor in Spanish and strategic social media. She is an editor and YouTube director for Her Campus WVU. Alexa entertains herself with funny YouTube videos, travel, and Netflix binge-watching. Her post-graduation plans haven't been mapped out quite yet, but she hopes to do something that will keep her creativity flowing.
Hi ladies and gents, my name is Mel, Melanie if you're feelin' fancy. I'm a senior studying advertising, political science and fashion at West Virginia University. In addition to my studies, I am the Campus Correspondent for the WVU HC Chapter! You can hear me on the radio at U92 FM reporting the news and hosting morning shows. If I'm not there, I'm most likely at the local Panera eating my body weight in broccoli cheddar soup or writing about the daily, awkward encounters I experience. I represenative of the college of media as an ambassador and the prez of the magazine club. Oversized sweatshirts and jean on jean are my aesthetics. Lover, not a fighter unless you tell me Joe Jonas wasn't the best Jonas. Laters, baby.