Navigating Freshman Year: Tips for Managing Homesickness
Freshman year of college is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with homesickness. Starting college is a huge life transition. It’s completely normal to miss home, family, and the familiar comforts you’ve grown up with. You’re not doing college wrong, you’re not ruining your experience – you’re having a feeling that lots of people can relate to as they start their higher education.
For many people, college is the first time they live away from home. Any transition can bring up complicated feelings, and college is full of transitions. Living somewhere new, more difficult classes, different social dynamics, and the freedom of independent adulthood can all be overwhelming, even when you’re excited about the change. In moments of upheaval like these, we often try to find ways to comfort ourselves, and home tends to be comforting to lots of us. It’s natural to go through an adjustment period as you get used to your new surroundings.
Balancing your academic responsibilities, social life, and personal well-being is challenging, especially during your freshman year. It’s easy to feel pulled in multiple directions, but remember that it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Be patient with yourself as you adjust to college life, and remember that it’s a process. With time, you’ll find your rhythm and begin to feel more at home in your new environment.
If you’re dealing with homesickness during your freshman year of college, you’re not alone.
If you’re homesick here are some things you can try:
Be kind to yourself
First and foremost, it’s important to recognize that feeling homesick is normal. Many students go through this, and it doesn’t mean you’re not capable of adjusting to college life. Allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with missing home without judgment. Be compassionate with yourself. If that’s hard for you, try to imagine you’re talking to your best friend instead of yourself. What would you say to them? Sometimes, simply acknowledging that you’re homesick can help reduce the intensity of those emotions.
Stay connected with home
Just because you’re in a new place doesn’t mean that home is completely cut off to you. Keeping in touch with your family and friends from home can provide comfort during the early weeks of college. Schedule regular phone calls, video chats, or text exchanges to stay connected with your support system. Remember that it’s still important to make new connections, though! It might be hard to balance maintaining your old connections while developing new ones. Set boundaries with yourself to avoid spending too much time dwelling on what you miss back home.
Get involved in campus activities
One of the best things about college is that there’s always something to do. There’s always an event happening, or a club meeting, or an extracurricular sports league – the list goes on! Immersing yourself in campus life can help you to combat homesickness. Join clubs, attend events, or get involved in student organizations that align with your interests. These activities provide opportunities to meet new people and build friendships, making your college experience more enjoyable. Being part of a community can create a sense of belonging, which can help ease feelings of homesickness.
Make your living space cozy
Our rooms are often our safe place, and it can be hard to be away from a space that was all yours. Try to make your new living space as cozy and homey as possible. Your dorm or apartment is your new home away from home, so make it a place where you feel comfortable and relaxed. Bring items from home that make you feel safe and happy—this could be photos, your favorite blanket, or other personal items. Creating a cozy space that reflects your personality can make your living situation feel more like a home and less like a temporary space.
Get into a routine
Getting into a daily routine that works for you can provide a sense of stability during this transitional period. Your routine might vary slightly depending on what your class schedule looks like, but try to stick to what feels good for you. Whether it’s a morning walk, a study schedule, or regular meal times, having a routine helps give you structure and predictability in your day, which can go a long way when you’re emotionally overwhelmed. Incorporating self-care activities, such as exercise, mindfulness, or journaling, can also help manage stress and improve your mood and can be helpful to add to your daily routine.
Ask for help when you need it
If homesickness becomes overwhelming or starts to affect your ability to function, remember that you can seek support. Many universities offer counseling services where you can talk to a professional about what you’re experiencing, develop coping strategies and have a safe space to express your feelings. It might also be helpful to talk to your roommate, or to friends or family about what you’re dealing with. We all need help sometimes, and there’s nothing shameful about getting support for your health, whether that’s physical or mental.
Homesickness is a common experience during freshman year of college (and beyond), and it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Remember that it’s okay to miss home while still enjoying everything college has to offer.
If you’re looking for more support as you make the transition to college, we can help.
Want to schedule a 10-minute call with our Intake Coordinator? Check out our scheduling link here.