A battle faced by everyone
Arriving in a new place surrounded by new people is not the most comforting situation for everyone. Although surrounded by many, it is easy to still feel alone when crowded by so much unfamiliarity. These feelings often strike unannounced and although uncomfortable, feelings of homesickness can be confronted and will, in time, pass. Like many things, this advice is easier said than done, but the hope of this article is to help you find your way out of the darkness and loneliness of being homesick.
Take time to appreciate your surroundings and the fear that comes along with beginning something new. Fear is not a bad thing; it means you are challenging yourself to enable your move towards something greater. University is a time for evolving, and that change is not possible without getting out of your comfort zone and into a space where growth is possible. Embrace these years; they will fly by.
Stay in contact with friends from back home, but do not neglect making new ones. The relationships made or strengthened while at university are also ones that will last a lifetime. Being in a new place and meeting new people can be nerve-racking, but think of it this way: these are people you are meeting because you have something in common, not just because you are the same age and from the same geographical space. This already tells you that these new found connections are something to cherish – these people are your family for the years you spend here. Make the most of the time you have with them; it will never be the same after you leave. Trust me.
Use technology to stay connected with loved-ones, and do so often… but not too often. With the continual rise of technology, it is easy to talk to the people you care most about for free. Use these tools to make the transition of leaving home easier. Have a weekly Skype chat with your family or best friend. Try to coordinate it so that you have the ability to see them when you need to, but recognize that it may not always work out as planned – so stay strong, and know you’ll talk to them soon enough.
When you are having a hard time, find a new friend and stay in, watch a favourite movie, and find out about each other’s lives and what brought you to Guelph. After 30 minutes of hanging out with a new friend, the sad, homesick feelings will float away and you will be laughing late into the night, reminiscing about past times and sharing old memories while making new ones.
Find a place on campus that makes you feel at home. Whether it is a quiet corner in the library, a tree to sit under on Johnson Green, or your residence hall, make it a priority to find a place that is comfortable for you and cherish it. This campus may not feel like home right away, but it will feel like it sooner than you expect.