The Homesick Blues

This much I know. There are a lot of people out there feeling homesick. Once the excitement and newness and sense of freedom wears off and you start to settle in to college life; the homesick blues can hit.



You might think no one else is feeling like you; everyone else is too cool to care or they may seem really socially smooth. Believe me, there are lots of students feeling the same as you.



All those annoying family habits you were so happy to be free of, may now seem achingly sweet and far away. You couldn't wait to get here and now you can't wait for Thanksgiving to get home. Life is so funny like that. Once you are home for Thanksgiving, you might just be dying to get back to school again!



You will get through the blues - the homesickness does pass. Here are a few suggestions to help you make it through the night.



1) Talk to someone. Either a roomate you trust or a friend or classmate or let them know at home. Talk to your RA or make an appointment with one of our counsellors. Talking about it doesn't make you a failure - it will help lessen the distress. Allowing yourself to admit what you are feeling can help to start the letting go process.



2) Get out and get involved - school sports, student government activities, class group projects, study buddy or gym buddy - every one in their first year is in the same boat. Everyone is new and many are hesitant or shy. It can help to remember this as you try something new.

3) It's good to have familiar objects around you but take care not to spend all your time looking at photos of your beloved friends and family. Get out and look at some new faces.

4) Make a group meal with new roomates or invite some classmates for a pot luck.

5) Avoid making rash decisions about leaving college. It is important to give yourself time.

6) Don't go home every weekend. Start to build a life at school.

7) Be patient with yourself, give yourself time. It WILL pass.