Homesickness

Homesickness is a normal part of growing up, leaving home, and entering adulthood. Whether this is your first or last semester, you may experience homesickness to some degree. You may feel like you are the only person who is feeling this way, but in reality, there are many students in the same situation! Homesickness is a very real emotion and response to change, however, there are some things you can do to alleviate and cope with those feelings. 

1. Acknowledge that you feel homesick. Instead of denying feelings of sadness or loneliness, acknowledge how you are feeling and accept it. When you accept the way you are feeling, you will be more capable of moving forward and addressing it. If you keep everything bottled up, it will only prolong those feelings. Talk to a friend, roommates, or family about it – many have experienced the same feelings and can help you adjust to college life. 

2. Communicate with your family. Although you may not be living at home, it is okay to talk with them! Set aside time to talk to them on the phone during the week. Writing letters or emails or sending texts are also good ways to stay in touch. Be optimistic in all your communications!

3. Make your apartment your HOME! Make your living space a comfortable and inviting place to be. You may also want to decorate with photos of friends and family, quotes that uplift or inspire you, or pictures that you like. Throughout the semester, add current photos from your college experiences. 

4. Keep a positive attitude. Remember that what you are experiencing is just temporary! Instead of focusing on the “losses” of leaving home, make a list of all of the opportunities ahead of you. Be optimistic about your apartment, roommates, classes, etc. Make the commitment to smile every day! There is power in thinking positively. 

5. Get involved! One of the best ways to alleviate homesickness is to get involved in your classes and the activities on campus. If you are busy with classes and extracurricular activities, you will have less time to focus on your feelings. You will have opportunities to develop talents, make friends, and become more familiar with campus and town. There are hundreds of ways for students to become involved at BYU-Idaho. Learn how you can get involved as a leader, planner, or participant at http://www.byui.edu/get-involved. 

6. “Forget yourself and go to work.” When President Gordon B. Hinckley was a new missionary, he wrote to his father and expressed feelings of discouragement. In the letter he received back from his father, it said, “Dear Gordon, I have your recent letter. I have only one suggestion: forget yourself and go to work.”  President Hinckley found that as he became more selfless and focused on others, he became happier and found more success. To combat homesickness, focus on and serve others! Smile at a stranger, open the door for someone else, do your roommates’ dishes, write a kind note, be a listener.

7. Keep the faith. You can find great peace and happiness as you rely on your faith in Jesus Christ and stay close to our Heavenly Father. Although you may feel like everything around you has changed, the Gospel and love of our Heavenly Father is constant. The scriptures teach, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (Joshua 1:9) Remember, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Sources:
Hinckley, Gordon B. "Words of the Prophet: Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel." LDS.org. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

"How to Cope with Homesickness." University Counseling and Testing Center. University of Oregon, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

"Suggestions for Coping with Homesickness." Dean of Students. Allegheny College, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.

"Tips for Adjusting to University Life." SCU Wellness Center. Santa Clara University, n.d. Web. 22 Apr. 2013.