Dealing with Homesickness

Written by: Media by Kelsey Neier Media by: Charley Phillips

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As the semester shifts into another season, students become more occupied with writing papers, studying for tests, continually eating food from the Dinning Commons, and time management becomes a student’s best friend. However, this is also the time when many students become homesick. When homesick, you can be gloomy or depressed from being away from home life and family for a long period of time. This can affect a student academically, personally, and the people around them. Some ways to either prevent homesickness or on how to deal with stress are listed below.

1. Don’t be too difficult on yourself. It will only make you feel worse and it can affect your own personality. Remember that what you do affects the people around you.
2. Be patient with yourself and others. At times, you will become impatient for no reason but be careful not to let those feelings control you or your actions. Take a deep breath or count to ten.
3. It’s okay to be sad. Let yourself be sad for a little while. Don’t repress that feeling because it can led to serious consequences like depression. However, make sure not to dwell for too long and remember that you have a second home now.
4. Join an activity. Believe it or not, there are many activities you can partake in while at college. You can become a GCSA member, join the Vista (a student led magazine), or you can attend Power Hour before Vespers. All of these are just some of the great activities that will help you meet new people and can help you be active on campus.
5. Stay busy. If you’re feeling lonesome then do your homework with a friend, watch a movie on Netflix with your roommate, or go on a coffee date with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. Staying busy can help you forget you’re homesick and can help you have fun.

   

6. Communicate with your family. Remember that your parents will continue to encourage you. Make sure to tell your family that you’re homesick. This can led to you feeling better and maybe going home for a weekend. However, keeping constant communication might not help you get out of the homesick stage. Talk to them maybe once or twice a week.
7. Use traditional mail. Sending letters or packages to your family or friends can help you get out of the gloomy stage because you will anticipate receiving something in the mail. Which is always exciting!
8. Remember that you’re not alone. It’s normal. Many other students are probably going through what you’re feeling. Talk to each other because not only will you feel better but you will develop better friendships.
9. Find a place you can call your own. Living in a dorm can be a lot of fun but not when you want to take a nap or study for a major test. Find a spot that you can be comfortable in but that can help you stay on task if need be.
10. Stay Positive!

    

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These are things that I’ve done in the past when I’ve become homesick. If you’re a student feeling homesick, hopefully some of these tips will help you to overcome the homesickness stage. If you have any other ideas or suggestions comment below!