Personal Counseling > Homsickness

Many students coming to college, and maybe leaving home for the first time, feel homesick. Even those who didn't ever expect to be hit by homesickness can suddenly find themselves missing the familiarity of home and friends, and don't know quite how to cope with the resulting emotions. This is entirely normal and passes, usually in the first semester, and often within the first few weeks.

It is important to realize that you are not the only one feeling homesick and that it doesn't in any way mean you are inadequate. Suddenly, you find that instead of being a central person in a small unit with plenty of peripheral activities and friends, you have become an anonymous member of a community where you know no one. Understandably you feel shaken and lonely and you long for the secure and the familiar. Sometimes the emotions are completely overwhelming. When you recognize the signs of homesickness (see below), take steps to deal with it before being overwhelmed.

Signs of Homesickness

— Coping with Homesickness —

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Ron Vick, MA, LPC
Counselor / Academic Advisor
Int'l Student Advisor