It’s that time of year again and college applications have been turned in and acceptance letters have gone out. You have chosen a college and have prepared to begin buying your dorm room decorations. The transition to college and moving away from home can be both exciting and terrifying at the same time. For many new students, homesickness is a common hurdle that can be difficult to overcome. Homesickness according to the Oxford language is defined as meaning: “A feeling of longing for one's home during a period of absence from it.” Homesickness can manifest in various ways, from feeling anxious or lonely to missing familiar surroundings and routines. However, with the right strategies and resources, you can effectively manage homesickness and thrive in your college home. In this blog, we will be going over how to cope with homesickness as a new college student and how to manage as the parent of a college student.
Therapeutically, homesickness for the student can cause several symptoms to occur. Homesickness, believe it or not, is a very common emotional response to being away from familiar surroundings, friends, and family. Homesickness often occurs during times of transition, for example starting college, moving to a new city, or traveling abroad. Common symptoms may include (1.) Feelings of sadness or melancholy, (2.) Longing for home and familiar comforts, (3.) Difficulty concentrating or feeling out of place, (4.) Loss of appetite or changes in sleep patterns, (5.) Anger and anxiety, (6.) Low self-esteem, (7.) Lack of concentration and other physical symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and headaches from stress.
Tips for Managing Homesickness
1. Stay Connected with Home: Schedule regular calls or video chats with family and friends back home. Make sure that your calls are routine so that it creates a sense of security and comfort. Share updates about your college experience and stay updated on what’s happening at home.
2. Create a Second Home: Get creative with your dorm or living space with items that remind you of your home, such as photos, favorite books, or plushies. Establish comforting rituals, such as drinking your favorite tea, listening to familiar music, and lighting candles.
3. Get to know Your New Home: Set time aside to explore the campus and local community. Visit nearby parks, trails, shopping areas, cafes, or attractions to know what's in your area.
4. Stay Busy: Join clubs, sports teams, or student organizations that align with your interests. Attend campus events, lectures, or social gatherings to meet new people and build a support network and friendships.
5. Practice Self-Care: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or yoga to reduce stress.
6. Have Grace for Yourself: Remember that it’s normal to feel homesick, and some days will be easier or harder than other days. Have grace for yourself by allowing time to adjust to your second new home.
7. Ask for Help: Connect with campus resources such as counseling services, peer support groups, or resident advisors. Talk to trusted friends, mentors, or professors about your feelings and experiences. Seek assistance through therapy.
8: Plan Visits Home: Plan visits home as frequently as you can. Schedule times to see friends and family back home to assist with remaining connected.
Coping with Your Child Going to College for Parents
The transition from high school to college marks a significant milestone not only for students but also for their parents. It’s a time filled with mixed emotions—pride in your child’s achievements mingled with sadness and uncertainty about the changes ahead. As your child prepares to embark on this new chapter. First, remember that your feelings and emotions are valid and that it's normal to have mixed feelings and emotions at this time. Also, focus on the fact that this is a big life transition. With any transition, give yourself time to adapt and adjust to the changes ahead. In this section of the blog, we will be assisting you with navigating the emotional journey for yourself as well as tips for supporting your child’s transition to college life.
Tips for Coping as a Parent for Your Child Going to College
1. Communicate Openly and Utilize Active Listening: Maintain open lines of communication with your child about their feelings and concerns. Encourage them to share their feelings and emotions regardless of whether they are positive or negative. Remember that there will be a range of emotions and creating a safe space for venting is important.
2. Stay Connected: Schedule regular check-ins through phone calls, video chats, or texts. Plan visits to campus or invite your child home for holidays and breaks.
3. Foster Independence: Encourage your child to make their own decisions and actions by asking them what they believe is the right decision or by asking how they feel about the decision they made. Offer guidance by keeping boundaries, to allow them to learn and grow independently.
5. Focus on Self-Care: Take care of your well-being by engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Seek support from friends, family, or a support group.
6. Be Aware of Empty Nesting: If you're going to have an empty nest, use this time to explore new interests, hobbies, or personal goals. Reconnect with your partner, if applicable, and strengthen your relationship without children.
7. Get Help: Connect with other parents who are experiencing similar emotions. Consider joining a parent support group or attending counseling sessions if needed.
All in all, the transition of going away to college can be both challenging and exciting for both the child and the parent. It may seem like a transition that will never end but it can be done and managed through with the tips, resources, and techniques mentioned above. For more resources like this, please check out our other tips here: https://www.plantationcounseling.com/blog. You can always find us at 954-903-1676 for counseling services.
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