New College Students Face Homesickness Challenge, but Support is Key
It can be tough for new college students to be away from home, especially those who are returning after summer break. Homesickness is a common reaction, with about 30% of all students and a staggering 70% of first-year students experiencing it. While homesickness can occur at any time, it tends to be most prevalent in the first few months away from home.
Stephanie Marcello, chief psychologist at Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, offers some helpful suggestions for making the transition a little easier. She explains that while homesickness typically decreases after the first semester, the speed at which an individual overcomes it can vary.
Physical signs of homesickness can include disrupted sleep, lack of appetite, headaches, dizziness, and an increased risk of infection, particularly gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, a homesick student might constantly think about home or returning home, feel pessimistic about their new environment, and have difficulty concentrating. Other signs to watch out for include feelings of depression, anxiety, irritability, sadness, or a sense of isolation and loneliness.
Some people may be more susceptible to homesickness, particularly if they have other sources of stress or a lack of social support. Several risk factors can contribute to the intensity of homesickness, such as the ability to adapt to new people and situations, whether a person genuinely wanted to move out from home, the experiences of friends and family left behind, and one’s overall attitude towards the moving experience. Expecting to feel homesick can also bring on these feelings.
Marcello advises homesick students to embrace their emotions and not stress about trying to control them. She suggests talking to friends and family back home while also focusing on building new connections and social relationships. Finding ways to recreate familiar activities from home, like playing a sport that has always been enjoyed, can also help ease feelings of homesickness. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle with new routines, making sure to get out of the dorm, eat healthily, and exercise, is beneficial as well.
It’s essential for homesick students not to miss class, stay cooped up in their room, or skip campus events. Instead, they should proactively get involved in college activities. Parents and roommates can play a supportive role by encouraging homesick students to participate and reminding them about the things they enjoy at home. They can also suggest ways to recreate these activities on campus.
However, Marcello cautions against encouraging homesick students to return home too often, as it can hinder their ability to fully adapt to their new environment. It’s important to remember that prolonged homesickness can lead to depression. If a student remains disconnected, declines opportunities to meet new people, or experiences persistent symptoms mentioned earlier, it may be time to seek help from a professional.
In conclusion, homesickness is a natural part of the college experience, and it affects a significant number of students, especially in their first year. By acknowledging their feelings, building new connections, participating in campus life, and seeking support when needed, students can overcome homesickness and thrive in their new environment.
