How to Deal with Homesickness at College

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You're away at school and miss home. It's natural, but can be overcome.

Step 1: Realize things are different
Understand that things will be different, and so you shouldn't try to make it home. It's a different time and place, but that's a good thing.

Step 2: Bring mementos
Bring a piece of home. Something small will help remind you of home without being solely focused on it.

Step 3: Think positive
Focus on what you're gaining. College is a fun and interesting time in someone's life. Focus on the fact that you're getting an education, meeting new people, and experiencing new things.

Step 4: Know you're not alone
Know that you're not alone. Most freshmen are in the same boat as you. Talk to classmates and ask how they are dealing with it.

Step 5: Keep in touch
Keep in touch. Send emails to old friends—who, incidentally, may be feeling the same thing—at their new school, too. Call friends and relatives.

Step 6: Get involved
Get involved. Join a club, campus radio station, yearbook staff, frat, or sorority. Volunteer or run for office. This will help you focus on the present.

Step 7: Plan a visit
Plan a visit. Have a friend visit you or go home for a long weekend. You may just miss college life.

Tip
Think carefully about whether or not to go home at weekends. Some students find it helps to ease the transition; others find the constant readjustment makes them feel worse.

Step 8: Keep a journal
Keep a journal. Write down what you're feeling. When you look back in a year or two, you'll see how far you've come.

Step 9: Talk with friends
Talk about your feelings with your roommate or friends.

Step 10: Visit new places
Go to new places you don't normally visit on campus so you can see and meet new people. Swing by the photo lab, chemistry hall, new coffeeshop, and so on.

Did You Know?
Psychologists suggest spending time away from home as a way to build up tolerance to homesickness.