Handling Homesickness at College: Tips and Strategies

Stay Connected with Loved Ones Back Home

Being away from home doesn’t mean you can’t still connect with those you care about. With so much technology at your disposal, staying in touch is much easier. With just a few clicks, a friendly face from home on a video call can be enough to brighten your day and alleviate the feeling that you’re disconnected from what’s going on back home. A heartfelt letter or email, though seemingly traditional, carries an enduring sincerity. After all, when was the last time you received a letter in the mail? Embrace these technological (and not so technological) tools at your disposal to preserve the comfort of home, no matter how many miles away, while your college journey unfolds.

Establish a Routine and Create a Sense of Familiarity

Getting settled into college is not just about organizing your class schedule or getting moved into your dorm. 

It's about creating a daily rhythm that works for you—putting your academics, social time, and personal needs all in order. When you’re getting used to so much that is unfamiliar, the steady pace of a new routine helps you put one foot in front of the other until college life feels like second nature. These daily schedules don’t have to be a rigid routine; it's about finding your flow. Also allow yourself to carpe diem and go find new experiences. Strike that balance and you'll discover the sweet spot between productivity and joy. 

Another way to create familiarity is to make your space feel like your own. Dorm walls don’t have to feel sterile or empty. Personalize it with elements that bring comfort—perhaps a touch of home with family photos or cherished mementos. This intentional personalization transforms your living space into a haven, a place where you can feel at home.

Get Involved in Campus Activities and Join Clubs or Organizations

Another way to keep homesickness at bay is by actively participating in campus activities and becoming a member of clubs or organizations. Finding people who enjoy similar things on a large university campus might seem challenging, but joining clubs related to your hobbies is a great solution. 

Whether you're into sports, arts, community service, or anything else, there's probably a club or organization on campus that caters specifically to your interests. St. John’s University has more than 180 clubs, as well as an active Greek life on campus for you to explore. Getting involved in extracurricular activities is more than a chance to pursue your passions and interests outside the classroom or make new friends; it's an avenue for developing valuable skills such as leadership, teamwork, and effective time management. All of these skills will come in handy in the future for potential employers.

Reach out for Support: Utilizing Counseling Services and Support Groups

Perhaps one of the most important things to keep in mind when you start feeling homesick is to remember you’re not the only one feeling it. Just because others may look calm and collected on the outside, doesn’t mean they’re not struggling with the adjustment to college life as well. Counseling services offer a safe and confidential space to discuss feelings of homesickness or difficulty adjusting to your new environment. Our professionals are trained to provide effective strategies for coping with homesickness, managing stress, and fostering a sense of belonging in the college community.

St. John’s University offers a unique type of support for new college-goers; a program that gives new students a mentor, someone who has already successfully navigated the first year of college. The E.P.I.C. mentor program reminds you that you’re not alone and there is a light at the end of the homesickness tunnel. 

Take Care of Your Physical and Emotional Well-Being

Your physical well-being has a significant impact on your emotional well-being, which can be a huge asset when you’re feeling the pangs of homesickness. Nourish your body with good food at one of St. John’s many dining options, get your legs moving, and make sure to get enough sleep. When your body feels good, your mind follows suit; making the effort to prioritize your physical well-being is worth it. Sometimes, even if you’re not feeling happy, you can ‘trick’ your brain into believing you are. Just the simple act of putting on a smile can spur chemical reactions releasing dopamine and serotonin, which improve mood and reduce stress. 

When it comes to combating homesickness, even a little bit of positive change can help. It’s all about the choices you make. Swap that burger for a wholesome meal in the campus dining hall, join a fitness class, or head outdoors for a walk. These choices will not only improve your physical health, but will improve your overall well-being. 

Physical exercise isn’t the only aspect of well-being to focus on in college. Embracing self-care is a potent ally against homesickness. Incorporating simple practices like meditation, journaling, mindfulness exercises, listening to music, and daily affirmations can serve as anchor points in navigating the emotional waves of college life. Taking a few moments each day to engage in these self-care rituals provides a valuable pause where you can reconnect and center your mind. These practices not only act as tools for alleviating homesickness, but also contribute to overall well-being, creating a space for reflection, positivity, and personal growth.

Embrace New Experiences

College is an opportunity to break out of your comfort zone and try new experiences. Although the initial adjustments may feel overwhelming, each new experience builds your resilience. When you embrace these experiences, you foster adaptability, but also create lifelong memories. So when homesickness arises, remember this is all a part of your personal growth and everything will get better in time.

Managing homesickness takes time and patience; it's okay to have ups and downs along the way. By implementing these coping strategies, you can navigate through homesickness and learn to thrive at St. John’s University.