How to Cope When You're Feeling Homesick


Whether it's your first year of postsecondary or your fourth, you may still feel a little down in the dumps when it's time to head back to school. Moving away from home, your family and friends is a big transition that can cause some people to feel sad and maybe even a little depressed. The good news is that these feelings are typically temporary; once you've had time to adjust to being back to school and living in a new place, you're sure to feel more comfortable.

Here's a look at homesickness and what you can do to help overcome these feelings faster.

Homesickness at a Glance

Everyone experiences homesickness differently, but some common symptoms include:

1.       Thinking of home, your family, and your friends often
2.       Feeling anxious
3.       Lacking motivation
4.       Feeling lonely and/or sad
5.       Withdrawing from other people
6.       Longing for someone from home
7.       Feeling irritable or negative
Some people confuse homesickness with depression, but a person who is homesick will feel better when they return home for a visit, while an individual who is dealing with depression will still feel depressed.

Overcoming Homesickness

If you're feeling homesick, it's important to remember that often all that's needed to start feeling better is time. To help alleviate some of the feelings associated with homesickness, try some of these tips:

1.       Talk to your family members and friends about how you're feeling
2.       Set plans for visits home or schedule regular phone calls with your family members or friends
3.       Decorate your room with pictures of people and places from home
4.       Avoid hiding your feelings by partying excessively, drinking, or taking drugs
5.       Try different activities to help alleviate stress, including working out, joining a club, or practising deep breathing
6.       Remember that it's perfectly normal to feel homesick and that the feeling won't last forever

Feel Satisfied with Your New Home Away from Home

When it comes to avoiding or alleviating feelings of homesickness, one thing that's key is to ensure you're living in a place you really like. Leaving home to live in student housing that doesn't feel safe or comfortable will only make you long for home more. While there are many places to rent in London, Ontario, choosing student housing like Residence on First, which has a good reputation for supporting its residents and providing safe, comfortable accommodations, is a great way to help keep those feelings at bay. Love where you live and the adjustment period will be that much easier.

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