Beginning life at college naturally develops both excitement and anxiety for many reasons. Fors ome, this feeling is quickly overcome as they adapt to a new environment; for others the change takes longer and sometimes appears as homesickness.
If you are homesick, you might notice an increase in:
Low energy or motivation.
Trouble sleeping.
Increases/decreases in appetite.
Having difficulty with school.
Increased use of drugs or alcohol.
Lack of interest or involvement in new surroundings.
CAUSES
The distance from home—the farther you go, the worse it may be.
Unhappiness when things are different from your expectations of student life.
You have finally arrived at college after working toward it for so long.
A heavy workload.
Students who are homesick often feel they have no control over their environment.
WHAT MIGHT HELP?
Keep in good contact with the people you have left behind, but also give yourself time within the university to begin to get involved here.
Be realistic about what to expect from student life and from yourself. Set up a balance between work and leisure.
If work is proving too difficult, you may need to improve your study skills or your organization of time.
Remember to get enough food and sleep! These affect you emotionally as well as physically.
Make contacts and friends through shared activities such as sports or other interests.
If you stop being able to do normal social and academic things, seek professional help either from your advisor or dean or the counseling service.
