What To Do When Struggling With Homesickness

Reported By: Sam Erickson

Photographed By: Yolanda Diaz

According to a survey conducted by the Higher Education Research Institute, over 70% of college students reported that they felt homesick during their first year of college. While many upperclassmen might have their own ways of dealing with homesickness, first- and second-year students might benefit from learning some strategies on how to handle homesickness.

As we head into the seventh week of the spring semester, it might seem an odd time to talk about homesickness, but studies show that many students use short-term avoidance strategies to avoid thinking about home. Those strategies eventually catch up with them. 

While short-term solutions can distract students from their feelings of homesickness, long-term solutions can help them embrace their emotions and move forward. The British Journal of Psychology highlighted some long-term solutions in a 2019 study, recommending that people suffering from homesickness try expressing feelings to a friend, practicing gratitude, and being proactive about possible problems. The short-term solutions, like distracting yourself, isolation, and throwing yourself into your work, were found to be less effective than long-term solutions for homesickness. 

All of those solutions can be effective when properly used, but what about some simpler things that students can do that don’t sound like they are straight out of a sermon? The University of Kansas put together an online brochure with some solutions; here are some of the highlights: 

First, homesickness is completely normal; you are not alone.

Second, scheduling visits to home can be helpful, but give yourself plenty of time with friends at school.

Lastly, call home. Calling home and continuing to connect with the people you miss is incredibly important, not only to help with homesickness, but also to practice  staying close to your family as an adult. If there is anything that readers should take away from this article, it is this: call your family. Even if you don’t know what to say, saying something is better than saying nothing. 

The Health and Counseling center on campus is also a great resource if you are suffering from homesickness.