Homesickness

When students leave home to attend college many leave behind their supports, a sense of familiarity, and a level of comfort. Most of us associate very strongly the place we have learned to call home and find it distressing when we can’t physically go there when in need of security and comfort. As a result, it is not uncommon that most students experience homesickness during their college career experience.

Symptoms of Homesickness

• Feelings of anxiety about separation from loved ones
• Constantly thinking about home
• Anxiety about one’s performance
• Feelings of isolation and loneliness
• Feeling different from others we think are having a good time
• Feeling depressed/sad with low motivation to study or make friends
• Yearning for a connection to someone who will “take the pain away and make things seem alright”

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” -- Alan Watts

The Good News about Homesickness!!!

While homesickness can be painful, it also presents us with an opportunity to grow beyond what we are. It represents a challenge to take charge of our life and learn new skills for dealing with our emotions and with others. When we work to master homesickness, we can increase our range of comfortable experiences which usually leads to increased self-esteem and a sense of independence.

How to cope while creating a second home at Behrend

• Accept that presently you are feeling a sense of loss and discomfort. It may take some time for you to feel as comfortable here as you do at home. But you are capable of surviving these feelings, if you allow yourself to calm down and get oriented.
• Bring familiar items from home to your new location. Photos, plants, stuffed animals and memorabilia can be a source of comfort as you ease into your new environment.
• Keep in touch with the people from home; arrange a time to go back and see them, but give yourself time here to meet other students.
• Take action. Structure your time. Participate in student activities.
• Focus on things that relax you: deep breathing, listening to music, going for a walk, exercising, or talking with a friend.
• Try to make new friends by talking with those on your floor or in class. Participate in orientation activities or other activities designed for students to meet one another.
• Exercise and sports are a great way to meet new people and reduce stress. Sign up for intramurals or check out the weight room at the Junker Center.
• Establish a balance between work and leisure.  You are NOT expected to work ALL the time!
• Be gentle with yourself and give yourself time to adjust. The transition to college is difficult and requires one to be patient and forgiving of one self. Laugh at your mistakes, you’re learning!
• Remember---you are not alone! Homesickness is experienced by most college students.
• If you continue to feel distress, do not hesitate to talk to your RA or to one of the personal counselors. Talking and receiving support early on can help ease the transition to college and alleviate symptoms of homesickness.