Remedy for homesickness
WHEN you go to college, you may only be a few miles away, and in your own country, but homesickness can still strike. It’s a weird feeling, very unsettling, and it can stop you from getting to grips with your study course. Here are some ideas for getting over it.
Know what’s going on Homesickness is a stress reaction that comes from being in an unfamiliar place. You are anxious and depressed because everything is new. So you pine for the familiar routine of home and friends.
Recognise it’s temporary
It feels like you won’t ever be happy again, but that’s 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 the 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 and joining a club so you can meet people who love what you love.
Recognise they’re all feeling it The people around you are feeling just as homesick. Some will show it, some won’t, but feeling disoriented in a new place is very common. So know you’re not alone.
Stay off social media
Seeing everything back home hasn’t changed is just brutal. So switch off the phone and connect with real people around you. You need to make a new home, and you can’t do that over the phone.