Cure homesickness

WHEN you go off to college, you may only be a few miles away and in your own country, but homesickness can still strike.

It is an unsettling feeling and may hinder you from getting to grips with your study course. Here are some ideas for coping with homesickness.

Know what is going on

Homesickness is a stress reaction that comes from being in an unfamiliar place. You are anxious and depressed because everything is new – the place, the people and the routine. As a result, you pine for the familiar routine of home and friends.

Recognise that it is temporary

It may feel like you will never be happy again, but that is part of the depression that comes from the stress of change.

Homesickness goes away as soon as you start to make friends and adapt to your new routine.

Go out and mingle

The best way to adapt is to make new connections. That means going to class and talking to the person next to you or joining a club so you can meet other people who love what you love.

Recognise that others feel the same way

The people around you are feeling just as unsettled as you are. Some will show it and others may not, but feeling disoriented in a new place is common. So, know that you are not alone.

Stay off social media

Seeing that everything back home has not changed is not a good way to cope. Switch off the phone and connect with the people around you. You need to make a new home and you cannot do that over the phone.

Give it time

It will take a couple of weeks before you settle in. If after a fortnight you are still feeling homesick, see a counsellor. All colleges have them and they are all familiar with homesickness.