Everybody experiences mixed emotions throughout college, but homesickness burdens many students at every university. Starting a college career typically means packing up all your belongings, moving to a new town (possibly traveling hundreds of miles away from home) and becoming completely responsible for yourself for perhaps the first time. In college, students must learn how to adapt to new environments as they are surrounded by unfamiliar places and faces.
Whether attending a university in state, out of state or even internationally, homesickness can cause much heartache. As a freshman this year, I have experienced this feeling of homesickness.
The hardest part for me was saying goodbye to my parents, taking one last look back and watching them walk away from my dorm. The first two weeks presented numerous challenges for me. I felt uneasy knowing that I would no longer be greeted at the door by my dog every day after school and would not receive hugs from family members before bed each night.
As time passed, though, I realized that the busier I became, the less I thought of home. I joined numerous clubs to fill a good chunk of my free time. With a full schedule, I no longer had time to sit around and think about how lonely I felt or how much I missed everybody.
Instead, I was constantly occupied with tasks to complete, and I was perpetually surrounded by new, encouraging friends. Still, when I would find myself in those corners of isolation, I wouldn’t hesitate to call someone. Facetime, Skype or even just a plain old phone call reassured me enough to feel content and continue on with my day.
Leighanne Matson, who’s from Urbana, Ill. (about two hours south of Chicago), said, “I tend to get homesick when I am not moving and doing something. So towards the end of the day, or when my friends from Colorado talk about going home for the weekend—that really gets me.”
Matson struggles with missing her three lovable dogs, her parents and her sister. Now, she loves how homey Colorado feels after just one year of being away.
“My biggest advice for state movers is to find your group and love on them hard because this is your new normal,” Matson said. “They will become your new family.”
Addison Reese, all the way from Keaau, Hawaii (the Big Island), said she only experiences homesickness about once every two months.
“[The] biggest thing is being busy. If you’re busy, it’s not bad, but if you’re constantly alone it’s definitely going to make you much more homesick,” Reese said.
Reese said she misses the people back at home the most, but not so much her physical house.
“Hanging out with friends and always having people around me definitely helps me cope better,” Reese said.
Homesickness is real. But there are plenty of ways to overcome the heartbreak. My first piece of advice? When in doubt, phone call it out. It can definitely help to just hear a familiar voice and get caught up on what you think you’re missing out on at home.
Also, find ways in which you can get involved on campus. This is a great way to meet new people and constantly surround yourself with fun activities. There are plenty of students who share the same hardship of being away from home; you’re not alone. Try to put yourself out there and find your MAVily here at your home away from home.
