When I was a child, I was very outgoing and independent. I loved to experience new places and activities in unfamiliar settings with new people because it makes experiences even more exciting! However, when I walked into college for the first time, it seemed different.
When I moved into college, that outgoing girl seemed to be lost. I suddenly got nervous when meeting new people, started to talk less, and found myself missing my bed more and more with every second. I was homesick! An independent girl’s worst nightmare. Luckily, thanks to some advice from upperclassmen, I soon found myself surviving and thriving WITHOUT homesickness! Here’s some tips for dealing with homesickness:
Â
1. Compliment someone! I know it might sound cliché, but I have made so many friends this past week just by telling them how cute their shirt was, or how nice their hair looked. Making friends is such a great way to make yourself feel comfortable on campus, and even if you don’t become friends with the person you complimented, at least you are a friendly face to them!
Â
2. Join some clubs! Every college has some pretty awesome clubs to join, especially here at Saint Vincent College. If you go to your college’s club fair, look around for a club that feels like you belong in, and sign up! Clubs are a great way to let you make new friends, keep yourself involved on campus, and a fantastic way to make memories!
Â
3. Schedule a regular time to call your loved ones! When you’re feeling homesick, you might want to call your mom or best friend every 5 seconds. However, it will be beneficial to you both if you spend sometime away from your phone, and more time hanging out with your new friends. Setting a specific time to either call or Facetime your loved ones will give you something to look forward to, without isolating yourself from the fun activities on campus!
Â
Â
4. Decorate your dorm room to feel somewhat like home! Hang up some pictures of your dog, bring a memento to remember your friends at home with, or even bring your old blanket from when you were a kid! Familiar things from your house can make your dorm feel comfy, and make college seem like your old room!
Â
HCXO,
Angel