6 ways to deal with being homesick at college

Posted September 7th, 2009. Categorized under College. 12 Comments

For some people, college clicks right away and they never turn back. For others, the college life takes some getting used to, and they end up thinking longingly of going back home for the first several months. When you first arrive at college, you definitely have to step back and let yourself get used to it before the homesickness will go away.

That can take a while, though, so here are a few ways to help feel less homesick:

#1: Give your family & friends a call.

Your family will definitely be pleased to hear from you, and your friends will love to hear how you’re doing. You can talk about how things are back home, or you can talk about how you’re doing. You’ll probably feel a bit better if you talk more about yourself, since talking about home might make you miss it more. Instead of talking about the past, talk about the future — talk about what will happen the next time you come back.

Other ways to keep in touch will help as well — text messaging, Facebook, instant messaging, and so forth.

#2: Keep yourself occupied

You’ll feel less homesick the more busy you are. Spend a bit more time out with people or on your schoolwork. Get involved with some sports or clubs. Not only will this keep your mind off of being homesick, you’ll also begin to enjoy college more because of it.

#3: Bring reminders of home.

Bring pictures of your family and friends, as well as posters and other items from your bedroom back home.

#4: Decorate your dorm room better.

If you spend some time decorating your dorm room, you can make it feel a lot more like a home than if it’s bare. Buy some nice rugs, comfy blankets, and cool posters so the room looks more like you want it to.

#5: Invite people to visit you

Invite a few friends to come stay a weekend with you, if they can. You can show them around your school and the town. This will help you feel more comfortable in your college, plus you’ll be able to share your experiences with your friends.

#6: Plan a trip home.

If your homesickness is just too much to bare, talk to your parents and see when the next weekend you can go home is. You should always go home now and then, but be careful about going home too often — establishing yourself at college is much better for you than constantly going home.

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12 Replies to “6 ways to deal with being homesick at college”

Comments:

1. Martin

September 7th, 2009 10:13 am

Very informative post–particularly for international students!

2. Mike Bern from tax accountant uk

September 8th, 2009 1:01 am

Now reading your post i remember my days at my college. I am a very emotional person, too attached to my family so i had a tough time but that was only for first few months, may be 2 to 3 only till i got settled and adapted myself to the new environment and life. I think i was very excited about the college too and thankfully i was an extrovert and made lots of friend and that really helped.

3. Ste from Crispy Beats

September 8th, 2009 12:07 pm

Some of this may apply to me when I travel Europe, unfortunately it’s not as easy to return home on a whim from another country, but a lot of your advice still applies.

4. mark from buy bunn coffee makers

September 10th, 2009 2:49 pm

It is so important to stay in touch with your family and friends, especially when you go into college. Many people just like to shut down, when you really do need to reach out to the people around you so you don’t feel alone.

5. monika from Sunroom Ontario

October 24th, 2009 7:38 am

i faced all these things……wonderful tips given by you.nice blog.keep sharing these kinds of stuffs.
monika@Sunroom Ontario´s last undefined ..If you register your site for free at

6. david from mini laptops

November 4th, 2009 8:29 am

I use to go to films if I get home feeling. I will also go to my friend’s home and have home food in their house to remove these feeling. May be these two tips will help in some way. Thanks.

7. Chris Harrell

November 12th, 2009 8:52 pm

Moving away from your parents, family and friends can be a very difficult situtaion that takes a lot of adjustment. You give some great tips for dealing with being homesick. Sometimes you just have to look at the bigger picture and realize that you are doing soemthing to make your life better and having friends and family that support you helps a lot. Staying busy is not very hard in college and is one of the best ways to deal with homesickness.

8. Jake Ruston

November 15th, 2009 2:15 pm

I know EXACTLY what it’s like being homesick at college. It can be a weird environment to start with, not knowing many people and not having your family to talk to. Once you’ve adjusted, you’ll be fine :)

9. Mark from Portable Fireplace

December 4th, 2009 1:19 pm

We’ve put three sons through college. Of course they can call us ANYTIME, but they each had a set day of the week to call home.

My oldest son is now grown, married and teaching school but he still calls us religiously every Monday night! Gotta love routines.

10. Chasey from pregnancy symptoms

January 29th, 2010 10:54 pm

Exploring the environment around you and trying new things is the best way to keep homesickness in check.

11. Enzo from Accountancy Services

June 24th, 2010 1:40 am

Following on from point 2 “keep yourself occupied”, when I was at university I joined the football team. I played football at home, so being part of the team was great, and allowed me to meet and make friends with similar people to my friends at home.

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