How to Navigate Homesickness and Stay Connected to Family

• Chris The Grad
• 0 Comments
• February 15, 2025

By: Chris the Graduate

Feeling homesick during college is completely normal, but it can be challenging to navigate. Whether you’re a first-year student or someone who’s been away from home for a while, staying connected to family and maintaining emotional balance is key. Here’s a guide to help you tackle homesickness and keep those family bonds strong.

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The first step in managing homesickness is recognizing that it’s okay to feel this way. Being away from the comfort of home and loved ones is a big adjustment. Instead of suppressing your emotions, talk about them with a trusted friend, roommate, or counselor. Acknowledging your feelings is the first step toward overcoming them.

Stay Connected with Regular Check-Ins

Technology makes it easier than ever to stay connected with family. Schedule regular calls, video chats, or text exchanges with your loved ones. These consistent check-ins can provide a sense of stability and help you feel closer to home.

• Video Chats: Apps like Zoom, FaceTime, or WhatsApp allow for face-to-face conversations, making you feel like you’re in the same room.
• Group Chats: Create a family group chat to share updates, photos, or even memes to stay involved in each other’s lives.

Create New Traditions

While it’s important to stay connected to home, creating new traditions at college can help you feel more grounded in your new environment. Start small—perhaps a weekly coffee date with friends, attending a campus event, or cooking a special meal that reminds you of home.

Bring a Piece of Home with You

Decorate your dorm or apartment with items that remind you of home. This could be family photos, a favorite blanket, or even a small memento that holds sentimental value. Having familiar items around can create a comforting atmosphere.

Get Involved on Campus

Engaging in campus activities can help distract you from feelings of homesickness and introduce you to new friends. Join clubs, attend events, or participate in study groups. Building a support network at school can make your new environment feel more like home.

Write Letters or Journals

Sometimes, putting your thoughts on paper can be therapeutic. Write letters to your family or keep a journal about your college experiences. This can help you process your emotions and also create a meaningful way to document your journey.

Plan Visits or Homecomings

Having a visit from family to look forward to can be a huge morale booster. Coordinate a trip home during breaks or invite family members to visit you at college. Knowing there’s a planned reunion can help you push through tough times.

Practice Self-Care

Taking care of yourself is crucial when dealing with homesickness. Maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep. These small acts of self-care can improve your overall mood and resilience.

Talk to a Counselor

If homesickness becomes overwhelming, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. Most colleges have counseling centers with resources specifically designed to help students adjust to college life.

Focus on the Opportunities

Remember why you’re at college and focus on the opportunities in front of you. Homesickness is a temporary feeling, but the growth and experiences you’re gaining will last a lifetime. Reflect on your goals and remind yourself of the bigger picture.

Homesickness is a natural part of adjusting to college life, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. By staying connected to family, creating a sense of home in your new environment, and focusing on self-care, you can turn homesickness into an opportunity for growth. Remember, it’s okay to miss home, but it’s also okay to embrace your new adventure.