Moving away from home at a young age can be a difficult thing to do, especially when your college or university has a requirement that you have to live on campus.
Everyone reacts differently to the freedoms that college gives you, and some people find that they miss home more than they thought they would. What do you do when you feel homesick?
An easy way to quell your homesick blues is to call home. Give your mom or dad a call, FaceTime your pets or text your best friend from back home. Keeping up regular and consistent communication with your family and friends can make it feel like they are really not so far away after all.
Decorating your dorm room with pictures and personal objects from home can bring a slice of your home life to school. Take the blanket from your living room couch, or bring your favorite coffee mug with you to make an unfamiliar place cozy.
Eating food from home can also help remind you of the comforts you miss. The next time you go home, bring some homemade food back with you. The smell of your favorite dish can take you back to a place that other things do not.
Next time you are at the grocery store, buy your favorite snack to have when you want a little taste of your hometown.
Besides calling home or bringing things back to school, the best way to adjust is to make your new dorm feel like home by surrounding yourself with new friends and chosen family.
Do not isolate yourself by staying inside all day. Meeting new friends by going to residence hall activities or joining clubs can make a difference in how you feel about a new place.
Finally, do not hesitate to reach out to faculty or professors if you are having trouble adjusting.
Sincerely,
The ShipTalker
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