Ways to cope when facing a big change
Homesickness in university is both common and completely normal; in fact, it’s expected. The first day of university is weird, terrifying, and uncomfortable, and filled with hundreds of introductions by hundreds of people that you definitely won’t remember the next day.
After the car is unpacked and your parents say their awkward and emotional goodbyes that secretly make you want to cry and run into their arms, you’re left to fend for yourself for the first time in your life. You realize you miss your family more than you thought you would, especially when you realize you don’t know how to use a thermostat, you can’t find your favourite sweater, and you totally forgot to pack a desk lamp and now you’re stuck doing homework in the dark until you figure out how to bus to Walmart. It’s no wonder that people get homesick.
If you’re homesick, the absolute first thing you need to realize is that everyone around you is also homesick, even if they’re not showing it. You’re not the only one that was just thrown into a new school and new environment in a matter of minutes. Guaranteed that most of the people you meet are just as nervous as you are.
Creating a routine for yourself is a great way to remain collected in a new environment and to feel settled. This life is your own, so make your new life at uni your own. For example, schedule grocery shopping on the same day every week. How about having a chore day? Are Sundays for laundry and cleaning your dorm? What do you need to do in the morning to get your day started? Coming up with routines can help to normalize an intense situation, such as adjusting to a new life at school.
Get creative. Decorate your new space with photos of friends and family. Hang a few posters (the University Centre poster sale is awesome for this). Unpack your clothes and organize your desk to your liking. Bring a few special items from home that have meaning—I found it helpful to bring along a few old Christmas cards from my friends. Items that have meaning can act as friendly reminders of the people you care about.
You can also try getting creative with the way you keep in touch with loved ones back home. Aside from the obvious phone calling, texting, and video chatting, try writing a letter or two. Writing letters is a lost form of communication that can be really fun and therapeutic—get someone to act as your pen pal and you’ll have mail to look forward to every week.
When it comes down to it, transitioning into university life is a big step and involves a lot of change. Staying self-aware and paying attention to your needs is important and should be at the top of every student’s priorities. Do what is best for you, do what you need to feel comfortable, and enjoy your new adventure.