What to do when the Homesickness Hits
Is it just me, or has this semester been simultaneously flying by and crawling at the same time? It’s crazy to think that we are already at week 11. More than two thirds of the way done with first semester. I’m not usually too homesick, but around this time of the semester I always get a little sentimental when I think about going home. The stretch between Parents’ Weekend and Thanksgiving break seems particularly long this year. For all of you that are feeling homesick too, here are some of my tips on how to beat the blues.
- Call your parents: This may seem obvious, but having a good chat with your parents can really help quell the homesickness. Even better, a FaceTime video can make it feel that you guys are almost in the same room. Nothing substitutes a hug though.
- Call your home friends: Talking to your friends from home can remind you of all the good things that you’re looking forward to when you go home. It can also make you feel closer to home. If anything, you’ll get a good laugh out of it.
- Exercise: Exercising is a pretty good solution to a lot of problems. It can help clear your mind, and it gives you that great rush of endorphins afterwards. Plus you get that fit student fall feeling.
- Hang out with friends: Don’t spend so much time alone. Try to get out of your dorm and be around others. Don’t be scared to tell your friends that you’re homesick. They’re probably feeling the same as you, and sharing your homesickness together can really help ease the pain.
- Do something that reminds you of home: It can be different for everyone. For me, it’s listening to ocean sounds, or playing the Mamma Mia movie soundtrack that I always used to play in the car. No matter what it is, having a little piece of home at school with you can be a really comforting feeling.
If you feel like your blues are more serious than just homesickness, there are lots of options around campus for students to utilize, including the Office of Student Care Coordination, the University Counseling Center, the Student Health Center, and the Center for Student Wellbeing.
And if you just need another student to chat with, you’re always free to hit me up:
Emilie.pouleriguen@vanderbilt.edu