World Biz Info
The source of the best business, financial and legal news
web www.worldbizinfo.com
Business Informations

College Freshman: How to Get Over Homesickness


Whether you're a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown - it's natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, it can make you feel a deep desire to return to the people and situations you know best.

The good news is that homesickness goes away eventually. As you gradually get used to your new surroundings, you'll grow more comfortable. You'll also gain a sense of confidence and independence by knowing that you can learn to adjust. Here are some tips to help ease your transition.

Accept that things will be different, but different isn't bad or wrong. Part of maturing is learning to be flexible in different situations, so this is all part of the process of preparing you for a fantastic future.

Bring a piece of home. Pack special items that remind you of home and give you comfort like your pillow, stuffed animals, pictures, posters, music, and specialty food items.

Focus on what you're gaining. Instead of thinking about everything you're missing, focus on what you're gaining by being away. Think about all the new experiences you can share with friends and family when you return.

Know that you're not alone. Everyone who is new is in the same boat so find a buddy to go exploring. Walk around and learn the campus and city. The more familiar you become with your new surroundings, the more your feelings of homesickness will fade.

Keep in touch. You're never more than a call or click away from friends and family. Make an effort to explore and learn new things about your environment so you can share your experiences with them.

Get involved. Join a club, study group, or find a part-time job that will get you involved with other people. Knowing that you will see the same faces and interact on a regular schedule helps a lot.

Plan a visit. Invite friends and family to visit you and act as their tour guide. It also helps to schedule a trip back home, but avoid going home every weekend. You'll gain more confidence by sticking it out and finding new things to do.

Talk about your feelings. Homesickness is natural. It doesn't mean you are weak, only that you have experienced love and security in your home life - and that's a good thing! If you find you are having trouble coping, talk to a friend, roommate, RA, or a campus counselor. It's important to acknowledge your feelings rather than keep them inside. You are definitely not the first student to experience homesickness, and by sharing what you're going through with others, you'll find even more ways to start to adjust.

Susan Fee is a licensed counselor and author of the college survival guide, "My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy! Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell" (Adams Media). She offers more college survival tips on her Web site, http://www.myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com


MORE RESOURCES:

New York Times

Going Off to College for Less (Passport Required)
StarNewsOnline.com, NC - 8 hours ago
Ryan Ross of Annapolis, Md., applied only to St. Andrews; McGill University in Montreal; and Trinity College in Dublin. “I knew I wanted a different ...
US students heading overseas for college United Press International
all 21 news articles


Boston College Lands Two Marshall Scholarships
MarketWatch - 13 hours ago
... United States," said Boston College Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs Donald Hafner, director of the University's Fellowships Committee. ...
Two BC scholars win elite Marshall award Boston Herald
all 9 news articles


Lawmaker suggests merging black, white colleges
Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, GA - 1 hour ago
... State University would merge with Darton College. University system Chancellor Erroll Davis told lawmakers that such move would face strong opposition. ...
Senate leader suggests merging historical black colleges Atlanta Journal Constitution
Should HOPE be need-based? Atlanta Journal Constitution
all 7 news articles


College Clan
GoErie.com, PA - 2 hours ago
Submissions for College Clan must include the official notification from the college, university or organization about the honor received by the student. ...


WBBM780

Eau de Penn State smells of flowers, not football
The Associated Press - 21 hours ago
Masik Collegiate Fragrances says the perfume for the school in State College, Pa., smells of vanilla, lilac, rose and white patchouli. ...
Perfume, cologne capture scent of Penn State Boston Herald
Smells like team spirit? Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
Penn State perfume, cologne available for sale Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Philadelphia Daily News
all 265 news articles


Voice of America

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Robert Gates
U.S. News & World Report, DC - 57 minutes ago
Gates attended the College of William and Mary in Virginia. He graduated in 1965 with a bachelor's degree in history. 3. As an undergraduate, Gates was ...
Robert Gates biography The Associated Press
Profile: Gates, pragmatist to remain as US defense chief Xinhua
Gates Will Continue as US Defense Secretary Voice of America
all 25 news articles


Hiker identified as U. of U. environmentalist
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 4 hours ago
... University of Utah President Michael Young said in a statement. For the last five years, Forster was also on the faculty on the College of Architecture ...
University mourns man who died in fall KSL-TV
Victim of hiking fall was U. director of sustainability Deseret News
Hiker who died in Zion National Park identified LocalNews8.com
all 6 news articles


State wants college students to get health insurance
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - 18 hours ago
Since getting married last summer -- and booted off his parents' plan -- the Brigham Young University junior has had to juggle premiums with tuition and ...


Gibson Dunn Promotes 13 Lawyers to Partner for 2009
MarketWatch - 2 hours ago
She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Denver College of Law, where she has taught Entertainment Law, and was named as one of Denver's "Forty ...


BBC News

Top universities 'closing the door' to soft A-levels
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 16 hours ago
Professors say the easier subjects fail to provide "adequate preparation" for the academic rigour of university life. Oxford, Imperial College, University ...
Vocational A-levels may hamper university chances, report warns guardian.co.uk
'Soft' A-level warning for pupils BBC News
A-level damage university chances The Press Association
all 5 news articles

college university - Google News

home | site map
© 2006
web www.worldbizinfo.com