Dear Dr. Argo,

I think I'm really homesick.  I can't stop crying all of the time and I really miss my family.  I want to go home to visit them, but they have said I can't come home for at least a month.  I don't know if I made the right decision coming here.  Everyone has been nice and all, but it's just not the same as home.  I feel stupid because it seems like no one else is quite as homesick as me.  Part of me doesn't want to go home because I'll feel like a failure, but part of me wants to go home now.  Is it normal to feel this homesick?

Signed,

Missing Home

Dear Missing,

The main thing I want to emphasize is that yes, it is normal.  Starting college is quite a transition, one in which many find both exciting and overwhelming.  Leaving what is familiar can be hard.  Adapting to a new environment can also be difficult.  Thus, while many people are excited to start college, upon arriving and saying goodbye to their families, the reality of being "on their own" starts to settle in.   It is at this time that many people will start to feel what you are feeling, lonely, overwhelmed, and isolated. 

In terms of coping with homesickness, the first thing you want to do is give yourself time to adjust.  For many, with time, they begin to feel more connected to their environment and less home sick.  In addition, other things that might help include: 

Recognizing that you are not the only one going through this and seeking out someone you can talk to about how you feel (e.g. friend or RA)

Staying in contact with those back home but also actively engaging yourself within the campus community as a way to feel more connected and meet new people (e.g. joining campus organizations)

Getting adequate sleep and eating a proper diet as this can affect how you feel.

In addition, if you recognize the need for further support in this area, you can also seek assistance from the Counseling Center or other campus resources.

Dr. Argo

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