Posted by Winston Salem | Posted in Winston Salem Health | Posted on 07-10-2008
In most cases, periods of homesickness (especially just after a transition) are normal. Not only are you experiencing a major adjustment to your new environment, but you are also experiencing a loss of what was comfortable and predictable. Homesickness can be triggered by major losses, or changes
in geography, sleeping/eating patterns, peer groups, living situations, activities, classes, and living accommodations.
Here are some tips that may help you in your transition
Give yourself permission to be homesick
Realize that a period of "homesickness" is a natural response to your transition. Others who are in the same boat likely have similar feelings.
Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings
Once you know your new environment, find your way around, see where your classes are located, and discover some fun hang-outs and activities, you will likely feel more comfort and in control of your situation.
Explore activities!
Make a list of all the things you like to do and explore what clubs or organizations are available to you.
Bring familiar things with you
Sprucing up your apartment or residence hall room with familiar or sentimental items can help ease the shock of a new environment. Having pictures, memorabilia, or favorite possessions with you in your new living space can help facilitate a smoother transition.
Be open to NEW opportunities
Try to avoid comparing your new environment to home. Be open to exploring new situations, opportunities, people, classes, and choices. The more open you are to new things, the less you might miss past things.
Invite others in your explorations
Getting involved with others and making friends can help you feel less alone. Inviting roommates, classmates, and neighbors to explore the new environment with you can be a great way to initiate new connections, and others in the same situation are likely to join you. Approaching others with
a friendly attitude and inviting them to "check out the campus" or "see what's downtown", can often lead to a positive response.
Keep in touch with friends
Stay in contact with friends and family via e-mail, real mail, and phone calls. Tell them all about your new experiences and encourage them to do the same with you.
Make plans to visit home
Knowing that you have an upcoming trip home set for a specific time may be comforting and allow you to focus on your goals while on campus. It also prevents those impulsive trips home and encourages you to invest in your new life at school. Trips home can be relaxing, but it's important that
they don't become your sole focus.
Some things to look out for
If you find that you are having trouble adjusting, or continue to feel homesick after a reasonable amount of time (4-6 weeks), you may need to talk to someone. Some things to look out for:
- Intense or long-lasting sadness/depression
- Frequent nervousness or social anxiety
- Low energy or motivation
- Trouble sleeping
- Increases/decreases in appetite
- Feeling like you just "don't care" about anything
- Having difficulty with school
- Increased use of drugs or alcohol
- Obsessively missing family/friends
- Phone bills beyond your budget
- Pervasive unhappiness or displeasure
- Feeling like you "need" to go home
- Lack of interest or involvement in new surroundings
If you notice some of the above, or just feel as though you're not adjusting to things, you may want to consider talking to someone. Talking to friends, family, or your RA may be a good starting point. If you think you need something more, Counseling Services offers several resources for this and
other problems.
