College homesickness is something many new college students experience, especially during the first few weeks and months away from family, friends, and familiar routines. Starting college is exciting. It’s a time filled with new people, new experiences, more independence, and the opportunity to discover who you are. But even when you’re excited about college, it’s completely normal to miss home.
You may miss your family, your friends, your pets, your own bed, your favorite foods, or simply the comfort of knowing what to expect. You might even wonder, “Why am I feeling this way? I thought I was supposed to be having fun.”
The truth is, it’s okay to feel homesick. Missing home doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision about college, and it doesn’t mean you aren’t ready to be on your own. It means you’re adjusting to a major life change.
And remember: it does get better!
What Does College Homesickness Feel Like?
Homesickness can look different for everyone. Some students may feel sad or lonely, while others may feel anxious, overwhelmed, or simply out of place.
You might:
- Miss your family or friends constantly.
- Feel lonely, even when you’re surrounded by people.
- Want to go home every weekend.
- Have trouble sleeping or concentrating.
- Feel overwhelmed by your new surroundings.
- Lose interest in activities you normally enjoy.
- Feel like everyone else is adjusting better than you are.
These feelings can be especially strong during the first few weeks of college. You’re learning a new campus, figuring out classes, meeting new people, managing your own schedule, and making decisions you may not have had to make before.
Give yourself time. Adjusting to college doesn’t happen overnight.
How to Deal With Homesickness in College
If you’re a homesick college student, there are things you can do to make the transition easier. You don’t have to stop missing home—you can learn how to manage those feelings while building a new life at college.
1. Get Out of Your Room
When you’re feeling homesick, it can be tempting to stay in your room and scroll through your phone or watch shows from home. While taking some downtime is perfectly fine, spending too much time alone can sometimes make homesickness feel stronger.
Try getting out and exploring your campus. Grab a coffee, go for a walk, visit the student center, work out, study in the library, or attend a campus event.
You don’t have to make a best friend every time you leave your room. Simply being around other people can help you begin to feel more connected.
2. Get Involved on Campus
One of the best ways to overcome homesickness is to start creating a life at college that feels like your own.
Look for activities that interest you:
- Join a club or organization.
- Attend campus events.
- Try an intramural sport.
- Go to a residence hall activity.
- Volunteer.
- Join a study group.
- Attend an organization meeting.
- Say yes to an invitation—even if you’re a little nervous.
You don’t have to find your lifelong friend right away. Start small. One conversation can lead to another, and eventually those new faces can become familiar faces—and familiar faces can become friends.
3. Stay Connected to Home—But Find a Balance
Calling or FaceTiming your family can be comforting when you’re missing home. Hearing a familiar voice can make a difficult day feel a little easier.
But try not to spend every free moment communicating with home. Give yourself opportunities to build relationships and experiences where you are now.
Consider setting up a regular time to call your family rather than feeling like you have to check in constantly. This gives you something to look forward to while still allowing you to be present in your college experience.
4. Create Some Familiarity
Small reminders of home can make a new environment feel more comfortable.
Bring a few things that make you feel at home—a favorite blanket, pictures, a familiar snack, a playlist, or something meaningful from your room.
You can also create new routines. Maybe you always get coffee before your first class, take a walk in the evening, or call a family member on Sunday afternoons.
Familiar routines can help make an unfamiliar place feel more like home.
5. Don’t Compare Your College Experience to Everyone Else’s
Social media can make it seem like everyone else is having the time of their life.
You may see posts of new friends, parties, sporting events, and picture-perfect college experiences while you’re sitting in your room missing home.
Remember that social media shows you moments—not the whole story.
The student who looks like they have everything figured out may be homesick too. The person surrounded by friends may also be wondering where they fit in.
Everyone adjusts at a different pace.
6. Talk About How You’re Feeling
You don’t have to handle homesickness in college by yourself.
Talk to a roommate, friend, Resident Assistant (RA), family member, professor, coach, or another trusted person. You may be surprised to learn that someone else is feeling exactly the same way.
If homesickness starts interfering with your ability to attend class, sleep, eat, make friends, or enjoy things you normally enjoy, reach out for additional support. Most colleges have counseling and wellness resources available to students.
Asking for help is a sign of strength—not weakness.
7. Give Yourself Something to Look Forward To
Sometimes knowing when you’ll see your family or friends again can make the transition easier.
Plan a visit home if it works with your schedule. Or plan something special with your family when they visit campus.
At the same time, try not to count down every minute until you can leave campus. Give yourself opportunities to experience where you are now, too.
Your college experience doesn’t have to be either “home” or “college.” You can miss home while also building a new home away from home.
College Homesickness Doesn’t Last Forever
If you’re struggling with college homesickness, take a deep breath.
You’re not the only one.
You’re not failing.
You’re not doing college wrong.
You’re adjusting.
There will probably be days when you miss home more than others. That’s okay. Over time, you’ll learn your campus, develop routines, meet people, find your favorite places, and create memories that are uniquely yours.
One day, you may realize that the place that once felt unfamiliar doesn’t feel so unfamiliar anymore.
It gets better. Give yourself time. Give yourself grace. And don’t be afraid to reach out.
At Rachael’s First Week, we believe college should be about more than just getting through the first week or first semester. It’s about learning how to take care of yourself, looking out for each other, and finding your place in a new chapter of life.
Always Look Out For Each Other. 🩷
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