College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness

Whether you're a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown ? it's natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, it can make you feel a deep desire to return to the people and situations you know best.

The good news is that homesickness goes away eventually. As you gradually get used to your new surroundings, you'll grow more comfortable. You'll also gain a sense of confidence and independence by knowing that you can learn to adjust. Here are some tips to help ease your transition.

Accept that things will be different, but different isn't bad or wrong. Part of maturing is learning to be flexible in different situations, so this is all part of the process of preparing you for a fantastic future.

Bring a piece of home. Pack special items that remind you of home and give you comfort like your pillow, stuffed animals, pictures, posters, music, and specialty food items.

Focus on what you're gaining. Instead of thinking about everything you're missing, focus on what you're gaining by being away. Think about all the new experiences you can share with friends and family when you return.

Know that you're not alone. Everyone who is new is in the same boat so find a buddy to go exploring. Walk around and learn the campus and city. The more familiar you become with your new surroundings, the more your feelings of homesickness will fade.

Keep in touch. You're never more than a call or click away from friends and family. Make an effort to explore and learn new things about your environment so you can share your experiences with them.

Get involved. Join a club, study group, or find a part-time job that will get you involved with other people. Knowing that you will see the same faces and interact on a regular schedule helps a lot.

Plan a visit. Invite friends and family to visit you and act as their tour guide. It also helps to schedule a trip back home, but avoid going home every weekend. You'll gain more confidence by sticking it out and finding new things to do.

Talk about your feelings. Homesickness is natural. It doesn't mean you are weak, only that you have experienced love and security in your home life ? and that's a good thing! If you find you are having trouble coping, talk to a friend, roommate, RA, or a campus counselor. It's important to acknowledge your feelings rather than keep them inside. You are definitely not the first student to experience homesickness, and by sharing what you're going through with others, you'll find even more ways to start to adjust.

Susan Fee is a licensed counselor and author of the college survival guide, "My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy! Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell" (Adams Media). She offers more college survival tips on her Web site, http://www.myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com

---

Student Removals - How to Get the Lowest Quote

The problem with student and any small move comes when... Read More

Principalship: Leading Change in Schools

The L.E.A.D.E.R. WayINTRODUCTIONIn June 1997,the Prime Minister of Singapore unveiled... Read More

5 Leading Online Schools

The internet has revolutionized many parts of our economy. You... Read More

Secrets Of Successfully Sitting Exams

Many people work hard studying various subjects to sit for... Read More

Student Financial Guide is Your Guide to College Success

The Student Financial Guide website is divided into categories pertaining... Read More

The College-Bound Students Early Bird Menu

Many parents and students I counsel confuse Early Admission, Early... Read More

Study More Effectively

If you are studying for an exam or if you... Read More

Accredited Online Universities ? Getting Good Grades

Taking distance education courses requires more motivation and self discipline... Read More

Internetworking and Security Multiple Choice Test

Personally, I dislike Multiple Choice Tests. Because they do not... Read More

CRI Releases Its 2003-2004 College Graduate Survey

Upper Saddle River, N.J. - May 2004 - Compensation Resources,... Read More

CSI Has Made The Study Of Forensics An Exciting Career Opportunity

Forensics is not just one field of study but encompasses... Read More

Writing The All-Important College Application Essay

The application essay is the most crucial piece of writing... Read More

The Family University Network: Unplugging Institutional Higher Education

Why not build a Christian family enterprise with the energy,... Read More

Why Do You Want a Degree?

There are many reasons people seek degrees in today's day... Read More

How to Choose the Right School For You

Now that the admission committees have handed you their decisions,... Read More

Education - Let The Learning Begin!

You've probably heard it since you were little, 'get a... Read More

Medical Assistant - Medical Assistant Distance Education

Considerations in Distance Education for the Medical Assistant InstructorMedical Assistant... Read More

Submitting The College Application

At this point, except for the waiting, the worst is... Read More

The Key to Online College Classes - Have It Your Way

Never before has online education been more esteemed than today.... Read More

Discover How Online College Classes Work

It's no secret that more and more people are looking... Read More

Whats behind the Explosive Growth in Distance Learning?

There is a ground swell of support globally to support... Read More

Facing Your Fears as an Adult Returning to School

In case you hadn't noticed, career colleges aren't just for... Read More

Creating the Acceptable College Applicant

America's colleges and universities no longer have enough room to... Read More

Balancing College Life and Academics

1. Control Your Schedule; Don't Let Your Schedule Control YouOrganization... Read More

Parents: Take the SAT Challenge!

I keep a box of tissues on the table where... Read More

On-line Universities and Degrees ? Find the Right One for You

The first step to finding the right online university is... Read More

How to Give Yourself a Raise with an Online College Degree

There are many people today from all walks of life... Read More

Too Much to Read and Too Little Time

I spent the better part of 17 years in and... Read More

Mind-Body Secrets for College Success - Six Key Secrets

Embrace the secrets of the body-mind connection and tap into... Read More

GCSE English I Hate the Moor Notes about Othello

The Shakespearean play "Othello" describes a cruel chain of events... Read More

Is Pursuing A Degree Online Really For You? Who Should And Who Should Not?

Stanford University's Online Lessons Learned Stanford University's Center for... Read More

Prepping for the new SAT I

On March 12, 2005, high school juniors across the country... Read More

What Are Online Masters Degrees?

Online masters degrees are higher education college degrees that are... Read More