As college students, we all experience homesickness from time to time. It can be difficult to leave the safety of home and venture into the world of independence and self-reliance. It can be even more challenging to adjust to a new environment, make new friends, and manage the stress of classes and studying. Fortunately, there are several ways to cope with homesickness during college. In this blog post, we will discuss how to deal with homesickness while living in ISU off-campus housing so that you can make the most of your college experience.
Staying Connected to Home
Homesickness is a common experience for college students. The transition from living at home to living in an ISU student apartment can be difficult to adjust to and can leave students feeling overwhelmed and out of place. One way to deal with homesickness is to maintain regular contact with your family and friends. Talking to loved ones can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity to help alleviate homesickness. Try to call, video chat, or text with them at least once a week. Social media platforms can also provide an easy way to stay connected. Posting pictures or updates can help to keep you connected to your family and friends from back home. If your family lives within a few hours’ drive, ask them to stop by and visit your college apartment in Normal, IL now and then!
Get Involved In Campus Life
A great way to deal with homesickness is to get involved on campus. You’re already living in student housing by ISU, you might as well take advantage of all the campus perks. Attending events like lectures, art shows, sports games, and student club meetings can help you make friends and become more familiar with your college environment. Joining a club or organization can also provide a sense of community and new opportunities to learn and grow. Joining a study group can help you stay on track with your studies and give you a chance to connect with peers. If you need a place to study, CollegePlace Uptown has a study lounge!
Connecting with resources on campus can also be beneficial. Most universities offer counseling services, health services, and other resources that can help you make the most of your college experience. Taking a class outside of your major can help you explore new interests and meet people with different backgrounds and perspectives. By attending events, joining clubs, and taking advantage of campus resources, you can start to feel more at home in ISU student living and reduce the feelings of homesickness.
Put Yourself Out There
Be courageous and reach out to new people. Making new friends is a great way to stay connected and feel less alone. A great place to start is getting to know your roommates in your ISU college apartment! Try to join a club or volunteer with a local organization. This will help you get out and meet new people who share the same interests and hobbies. Attending events such as concerts, lectures, movies, and sports games on campus is also a great way to get involved and make new friends.
Strike up conversations with classmates, neighbors, and other people in your area. Introducing yourself to faculty and staff can help you feel more connected to your college environment. Make an effort to connect with other students who are away from home too. Knowing that you are not alone in this transition can be very comforting.
Homesickness can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With courage, determination, and a little effort, you can make the transition to college successful. If you’re feeling that you’re not quite at home in your ISU student apartment, don’t! Homesickness is a real emotion, but there are ways to deal with it. By staying connected to home, getting involved in campus life, and putting yourself out there, you’ll start to feel more and more comfortable in your ISU off-campus housing.
