Homesickness

Coping with Homesickness and making college a second home

DID YOU KNOW:

Homesick Students are 3 times more likely to drop out of school than those who are not homesick (Thurber, 2021).

What Is It?

Being away from home can be difficult for many people, especially young individuals transitioning to a brand new environment. Christopher A. Thurber (2021) defined homesickness as "an intense sensation of distress or impairment due to oncoming or actual separation from one's home". The beginning of college is meant to be fun and exciting, but for some, the transition can be taxing and overwhelming. Being away from home or loved ones can affect each student differently and it is important to be aware of how our friends and peers are feeling. With the population of college students growing, homesickness is increasing as well. Therefore, it is important to educate others on the signs and treatments of homesickness.


Missing home every once in a while can be expected, however when that feeling begins to impact one's daily activities such as classwork, and extracurricular activities or if the feeling lasts for long periods of time, then the feeling can be identified as homesickness.

What Does it Look Like?

Risk Factors:

  • Being in a new environment with significant cultural differences

  • When the setting has environmental different such as climate or a more rural or urban setting

  • When there are unfulfilled expectations of the new environment

  • When the individual has had little to no previous experience being away from home


Symptoms:

  • Having trouble sleeping

  • Exhaustion

  • Lack of focus

  • Mood changes

  • Feeling withdrawn or isolated

  • Unanticipated negative thoughts and feelings of the new environment

What Can You Do?

  • Get Involved: Join or start a club/organization. IC has over 60 active clubs and organizations that you can join. Feel free to contact any of the student leaders of these clubs/organizations, but you can also contact the Center for Student Involvement at csi@ic.edu.

  • Association: Familiarize yourself with your new surroundings in an attempt to create a warm fun environment (Thurber, 2021). Don’t be afraid to explore off campus locations and get familiar with the Jacksonville area. You can take walks, visit the park, or find your new favorite spot to eat!

  • Self-compassion: Recognize the feeling of missing home and reassure yourself that these feelings are normal and common. Allow yourself to feel these feelings (Thurber, 2021). Expressing what you are feeling can not only benefit you but can also help others understand that they are not alone.

  • Reassurance: Shine light on the idea that homesickness can be a reflection of the positive relationships back home, and although you can’t be home in the moment, these relationships can be long lasting (Thurber, 2021). It is important to value close relationships, while remaining open-minded about making new connections.

  • Resources: There are many resources available on campus! Take advantage of the services of your Academic coach, Faculty Advisor, and/or the Chesley Health & Wellness Counseling Center.

  • Inform: Learn about all the resources and positive coping mechanisms such as meeting new peers, fun physical activities, talking with trusted individuals (Thurber, 2021). Convocations are a great way to learn through others’ experiences and stories!

  • Participate: Getting involved with activities that one may find fun and interesting can help you get a sense of home in a new environment (Thurber, 2021). Participate in the many activities put on by the Center for Student Involvement and many of IC’s clubs and organizations!

  • Balance: Find a balance between staying in touch with family and friends back home, and being present in your new environment. Try catching up with family and friends from home on a weekly or bi-weekly basis instead of daily. It is okay to allow yourself to miss your loved ones!

Confidence Quote:

"You can have more than one home. You can carry your roots with you, and decide where they grow." - Henning Mankell

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References

Hack-Polay, D., & Mahmoud, A. B. (2020). Homesickness in developing world expatriates and coping strategies. German Journal of Human Resource Management: Zeitschrift Für Personalforschung, 35(3), 285–308. https://doi.org/10.1177/2397002220952735

Landa, I., Bono, T. J., & English, T. (2020). Mood regulation and relationship quality predict change in homesickness during college. British Journal of Psychology, 111(1), 55–69. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjop.12386

Thurber, C. A., & Walton, E. A. (2012). Homesickness and Adjustment in University Students. Journal of American College Health, 60(5),

415–419.




-Crystal Moreno 23'