Beating Homesickness

Labor Day Weekend was a while ago, or maybe you haven’t been home since you’ve moved into your Hall. You might be feeling a bit homesick right about now. Moving can be an emotional experience. You can overcome it by engaging yourself in your new environment and find ways to adapt.  It’s important not to get caught up in the nostalgia. So, here are some ideas to help ward off the blues:

Get to know some of your new neighbors. Whether you’re living in the halls, off campus or commuting, there are lots of new faces and now’s your chance to meet these strange and interesting folks. Take advantage of your newfound freedom to get to know somebody that just may turn out to be a lifelong buddy.

Ask friends and family members to come and visit you on campus. Introduce your family and hometown friends to people you have met in the first few weeks. Schedule times to call your family and friends in between visits.

Join clubs, groups or societies specific to your interests. Student government, religious and faith organizations, hobby groups, lifestyle clubs, athletic teams and theater can all reduce homesickness for college students. Or volunteer and help others for a few hours each month. Choose to volunteer at a place that matches your interests. Attend athletic events to help ward off homesickness. Become an involved spectator by wearing your purple & gold and cheering. Sporting events are an effective way to become more involved in campus life and meet new people.

Get a job. Not only is this a social thing, but a financial thing. Not to mention, if you can funnel some of your newfound riches into paying for your education, you’ll have a little less to pay off when you graduate.

Exercise for at least 30 minutes three times a week, so head to the WRC. Take the stairs instead of elevators whenever possible. Try out different types of sports such as volleyball or rock climbing to help decrease homesickness.

Get to know Cedar Falls- it’ll start to feel like home. Well, you did pick UNI for a reason didn’t you? What attracted you to this location? Check out the local scene and you may be surprised what you find. And most likely, you’ll find others that are interested in some of the same things you are. You might even find a restaurant that serves your favorite foods from home; but if you can’t ask a family member or friend to send you a care package with your favorites.

Deal with your homesickness in a smart way, don’t let it keep you from starting a new life. Also, have a plan. Be positive and figure out how you will better yourself on this journey. Set goals. Will you read more? Start going to the gym? Study for 3 hours each night? Give yourself something to strive for and before you know it your blues will melt away. Just be reasonable so you don’t get burnt out.

Seek professional help from the Student Health Center and Mental Health Services for severe homesickness. Academic Advisors, Resident Assistants, and trusted friends can also provide much-needed support when you have feelings of homesickness.

There is always the nuclear option: dropping out. This should only be done after careful consideration and a lot of talking with family and advisors. You will invariably make it through any rough patches in university life.

Be realistic about homesickness, give it a little time. Allow yourself to grieve for the things that you have left behind at home. Settling in and getting used to all these new things can be tough. It’ll take a toll on anyone. Just take a deep breath, and try a couple of the ideas above, and more than likely you’ll be just fine. Embrace your new life at UNI!