Hi this is my first time being away from home for a long period. I've only been at this college for a week in the dorms and I have already called my parents to pick me up for the weekend.
I'm having fun meeting new people, but I can't shake off how much I miss my home. So are there any tips that can take my mind off of missing home?
2006-08-18 01:53:26 · 14 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
GO HOME!!!!! LOL
2006-08-18 01:58:47 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
Luckily, homesickness is usually mild and doesn't last long. And there are things you can do to make sure it doesn't spoil your fun.
Try a trial run. Before heading off for a summer at music camp or a vacation at your aunt and uncle's ranch, spend the night or weekend at a friend's house a few times to get the feel of being in a new place. That can ease you into spending time away from home and lessen the shock of sleeping in a strange bed or being around different people. And like learning anything new, you'll get better at it each time you do it.
Bring something that reminds you of home. Pack photos or letters or a favorite stuffed animal, sleep shirt, or pillow. When you start longing for familiar faces and places, you'll have a little bit of home right there with you.
Call home when you can. This probably seems obvious, but during extended stays away, a quick call to hear your dad's voice or your sister's story about bathing the dog can be comforting. You might want to arrange a time to call or even visit (if you'll be gone for a while) so you'll have something to look forward to.
Do something you enjoy. When you're having fun, you're less likely to spend time thinking about people and things you miss.
Talk to a friend, ideally someone who's going through the same experience you are. Knowing you're not the only one dealing with this can take the sting out of feeling a little lonely, and you might feel better when you cheer up someone else.
Write in a journal. Putting your feelings down on paper can help you understand them. Maybe writing about homesickness will show you what you really miss, whether it's your cat or the smell of waffles on Saturday mornings. Then you can find a way to ease that ache, like asking your parents to send a picture of your pet.
Stay active. If you sit on the sidelines, you'll have more time to think about feeling sad. Talk to people and throw yourself into activities, and before you know it, you'll be too busy to be homesick.
Review your expectations. Sometimes feelings of sadness may also be feelings of disappointment when a camp, school, or trip doesn't live up to your dreams. You may need to readjust what it is that you want to get out of your experience.
Talk to an adult. Missing your family and home is normal. But if after a couple of days away you're having trouble eating or sleeping or you're not interested in doing anything, talk to an adult you trust about your feelings. That person can help you work through this tough time.
Almost everyone has felt homesick at some time. Remember that there's a good side to homesickness, too: It means you have family and friends worth missing and a place you want to return to when your adventure away from home is over
2006-08-18 09:00:46 · answer #2 · answered by Love or hate? 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Lots of people here have already suggested good things for you to do, do take them on board. Making your room a bit like your home, surrounding yourself with things you like is a great idea and will help you a lot. I definitely think NOT going home at weekends (or only for special occasions) is a good idea,because you will get stuck in a pattern.
Look at your schedule, weekends included. I'm guessing there are 'dead spots' when things are a bit quiet, or you are by yourself. See if you can find yourself activities to fill in these times, because these are when you may be 'thinking lots' and feeling homesick.
Years ago when I was a student, I found that Thursday daytimes, Saturdays all day and Sunday mornings were when I was feeling most lonely so I decided to 'plug the dead spots.' On Thursdays I went to the gym and met people there. On Saturdays I went jogging and swimming and on Sunday mornings, I would go and do my weekly shopping, coming back in time to watch the Italian football on the TV in the afternoon.
I was so engrossed doing these activities, that my worst homesickness feelings soon faded away at these times.
2006-08-18 12:34:07 · answer #3 · answered by The Global Geezer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to adjust your thinking. The place you are living now is "home". The place where your parents live is not "home" anymore; it's just where your parents live. Try to do as many things as possible where you are now to establish that as your home. Set up your room to be as "homey" and comfortable as possible. Personalize it with some of your favorite things, and put up pictures or posters of things you like.
It sounds like you are on the right track making friends and social contacts. Keep up the effort on that front. Also, once classes are in full swing, make sure you are forming good study habits. If you have time, try to visit the gym and establish a routine there as well.
After about a month or two, all of your routines will be established, and you will not be thinking about your old home as much. Good luck!
2006-08-18 09:03:26 · answer #4 · answered by bazzmc 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
DON'T GO HOME! It will only start a pattern of leaving every weekend, believe me I know plenty of people who left school EVERY weekend. If you do live close by, try to stick it out one weekend and find someone who lives HOURS away and can't go home until Thanksgiving (at the earliest). Imagine how homesick that person must be.
The key to stop being homesick is to start identifying your school as home. Meet new friends, do things on the weekends. If all else fails, get that homework done early on Saturday.
2006-08-18 11:19:15 · answer #5 · answered by ronnieneilan1983 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Remeber that it is normal to feel homesick. You are in a new place.
Put lots of things from home in your doormroom.. a picture, use your sheets and pillow from home. Lots of things.
Hang in there- once you start classes and get into a routine you will love it and enjoy your time there. This is one of the best times of your life.
Best of luck!
2006-08-18 09:01:36 · answer #6 · answered by Heather 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As suggested above you may communicate with family with web-cam. Have regular contact with the friends. Make new friends at you place of posting.
2006-08-18 09:04:57 · answer #7 · answered by snashraf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try joining an activity on campus or decorating your room with special things that remind you of home.
2006-08-18 08:59:52 · answer #8 · answered by bttrpcn2005 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Why don't you try to take a piece of home with you?
2006-08-18 09:04:03 · answer #9 · answered by k_neo_now 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try doing so much stuff (work) that you won`t have time to think about the "good ol` times".
2006-08-18 09:21:07 · answer #10 · answered by kaszika 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Find things in your homes that need your attention and give them your attention.
2006-08-18 09:01:10 · answer #11 · answered by Ayaz Ali 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋