First-years can avoid homesickness by getting involved
We’ve all dealt with it, and we all will feel it at some point during our college career. Even if you think you won’t ever be overcome by it, nobody is immune to even the mildest case of homesickness. With that, there is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed if you are missing the comfort of living with your parents or guardians. Luckily, there are many ways to overcome this feeling. Here are some tips for any of you dealing with homesickness:
Join a club or two. Most clubs here at USD meet at 7 p.m. or later, so they do not interfere with daytime classes. Some night classes may interfere, however, but many of the clubs are flexible and will sometimes work around such conflicts. Clubs are also great places to meet new friends and to broaden your horizon. There is literally a club here for everyone. Lastly, they are perfect for getting away from stress caused by homework, classes and other outside problems.
Do not go home every weekend unless you absolutely have to. Instead, get together with some friends and plan a movie or game night, have a study party and order some pizza or even hit the town. The more comfortable you feel with your surroundings the more you will feel at home.
Do not be a shut-in. By this I mean do not sit in your dorm, apartment or house all day all by yourself. If you live in a dorm, don’t be afraid to leave your door open when you are chilling in your room. Leaving your door open is a way of saying, “Welcome! Come on in!” This is a great way to get to know the people on your floor and make new friends. Also, don’t be afraid to get together with your floormates and plan social get-togethers. For example, I live in a dorm and my floor is like one great big family because our doors are almost always open and we are always planning floor socials, such as gaming nights, movie nights, making dinner for each other and going out to eat as a dorm. And if you haven’t already, get to know your CAs. They are there to help you and to be your friend, and if you talk to them about getting everyone on your floor together for one of the socials said above, he or she or both will be more than happy to do so.
By following these easy-to-do tips, you will for sure be feeling right at home here in Coyote country.
