Written by: Edward Backer
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
Starting college is an exciting time for many. For some, there’s a newfound independence; for others, it’s an opportunity to finally binge through a whole season of “Suits” without their little brother asking to use their phone.
Whatever excitement college brings you, there’s one downside that affects most of us at least once throughout our experience: homesickness. It sneaks up, and before you know it, a dorm room becomes a lonely cell, and sunny days become a reminder of home. So, to help you navigate this shared experience and make your college journey more enjoyable, I have provided in this article several effective ways to handle being homesick.
First, it is important to understand homesickness. Put plainly, according to a WebMD article, it is the “feeling of emotional distress when you’re away from home and in a new and unfamiliar environment.” Often triggered when your routine, local culture and overall environment are different, the distress can be overwhelming or even crippling. However, realizing that homesickness is a normal reaction to such a significant change can be the first step to managing it.
Adjusting to a new environment takes time, especially if it is different from what you are used to back home. While it is usually short-lived, the emotions may develop into depression and grief and may affect your physical health in the form of headaches or lack of appetite, according to WebMD. Additionally, according to research from Loyola University Chicago, homesickness “has been linked to certain social factors, such as social anxiety and social support.” Being able to manage your homesickness as it arises is necessary to prevent any lasting consequences.
One of the easiest ways to overcome homesickness is by staying in communication with family and friends. With today’s technology, students can be more connected with their families than ever before through video calling, texting, social media and so much more. And keeping connected to those back home isn’t limited to communication, but rather, it also includes decorating your dorm room with items that remind you of home and new memories.
A way to do that is by “combining pictures and reminders of home with things related to special interests and passions,” according to an Anthem EAP article. As you engage in those interests and hobbies in your new environment, you’ll be able to add new pictures and souvenirs next to those made at home.
Another way to manage homesickness is by getting into a routine. Whether it is an old or new program, keeping yourself on a regular schedule will create a sense of normalcy, so try setting regular wake-up and study times. What constitutes your routine is up to you; it could be setting a time for hobbies, joining clubs or campus events or even finding a part-time job. This will keep you busy with different activities as you create and build a new network in the campus environment.
Lastly, it is important to maintain your mental health as much as your emotional well-being. If adapting to college life becomes a struggle, seek out Southern Adventist University’s Counseling Services and set up an appointment as soon as possible. If you aren’t comfortable with that, reach out to a friend.
Sharing your challenges is vitally important so they do not interfere with other aspects of your life. Additionally, you may find many others processing similar feelings. It helps you not to feel singled out when you express your feelings and encourage you to listen as other students share their experiences.
Numerous schools provide counseling services tailor-made for any student to assist them in getting used to college life.
Overcoming homesickness is a gradual process that requires patience and much effort. Staying connected with your loved ones, creating a new routine, making your room feel like home and talking about your feelings will make your transition easier and allow you to begin enjoying college life. And remember, God cares about your challenges and is always willing to listen. So, before anything else, go to Him.
