Students experience many new things when starting college, but homesickness is one thing they don’t often expect. Being away from home and in a new environment is what every college student must eventually go through, and homesickness can be a result of these new changes.
According to WebMD, an estimate of 50-70% of the general population has experienced homesickness at least once. WebMD lists several reasons for this feeling, inclulding the disruption of lifestyle. Before college, students were often reminded to wake up on time or to make sure their rooms were clean. Students now are taking charge of their own scheduling. This disruption in someone’s day to day life may cause them to miss how things were back at home.
Another cause of homesickness can be difficulty adapting to new surroundings, or no sense of belonging. Home is where someone typically feels comfortable or safe. One’s room is typically known as a safe space, where one can unwind at the end of each day and relax. Being away from home and attending college can cause that safe space to now be shared with someone else, and the lack of a comfort zone can bring anxiety and insecureness.
Homesickness can have a variety of effects on someone depending on severity, such as depression, productivity, fatigue, stomach problems and lack of appetite. One shouldn’t panic if they start to feel these symptoms of homesickness because there are a few things they could try to minimize the feelings.
One of the most common methods is to stay connected with family and loved ones. Being able to text family can make a huge difference. Checking in with loved ones every now and then and sharing college experiences can be a great start to helping someone feel better.
College students can also customize their dorm to their own liking. People tend to make their dorms similar to their rooms at home, a nice and comfortable space to study.
Business major Lexie Patterson, a freshman at Jones College, said, “I brought a lot of decorations from my old room with me and little trinkets my friends have given me over the years to make me feel more comfortable.”
Another great way to minimize homesickness is to get involved and stay busy.
Patterson said, “I hang out with my friends more often, focus more on school work, and make new connections with people.”
Following the college’s social media can let students know when special events are happening so they won’t miss out on any opportunities to make new friends.
Homesickness is something many students experience. While it can be hard to manage, with the right steps, students can have fun and make new memories, and maybe even find a home away from home.
by Sidney Patterson
