Helping your freshman navigate homesickness
As your student embarks on their first year of college, it's an exciting time filled with new experiences and opportunities. However, for many freshmen, it can also be a time of homesickness—a natural and common emotional response to being away from the comfort and familiarity of home. Here are some tips to help your student navigate homesickness and adjust to college life.
Acknowledge their feelings
It’s important to let your freshmen know that feeling homesick is okay. Many students
go through this phase as they adjust to a new environment. By acknowledging their
feelings and providing a listening ear, you validate their experience and help
them feel less alone.
Encourage involvement on campus
One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to
get involved. Encourage your student to
join clubs, attend events,
play intramural sports, or participate in activities that interest them. Being
part of a community and making new friends can help them feel more connected and
reduce feelings of isolation.
Promote routine and structure
Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of stability for your freshman.
Encourage them to maintain regular study schedules, meal times, and sleep patterns.
Routine can offer comfort during times of change and help them focus on their responsibilities.
Stay connected–but not too much
Maintaining regular communication with your student is important, but it’s equally
important to encourage them to immerse themselves in their new environment. Finding
a balance between staying in touch and giving them space to grow is key. Consider
setting up a regular call or video chat schedule that allows for connection without
being overwhelming.
Visit, But Plan It Carefully
While visiting your student at college can be a great way to ease their homesickness,
timing is everything. Plan visits that don’t disrupt their adjustment process or
academic schedule. A visit during a holiday or long weekend can be a welcome break,
but too many visits might make it harder for them to settle in. The same
goes for their visits home. Encourage your student to remain on campus and
not come home too often. Your student may return home to visit for Labor
Day weekend and then feel some trepidation about returning. Remind them that
those feelings are completely normal and are part of transitioning away from home.
Overcoming that homesickness is made easier by connecting with friends and faculty,
and engaging in
university activities. Immersion in their new environment is key to connecting,
engaging, and working through homesickness.
Encourage Self-Care
Homesickness can often be eased by taking care of oneself. Encourage your student
to stay active, eat well, and get enough rest. Exercise, in particular, is a great
stress reliever and can improve mood and energy levels.
Remind Them of the Big Picture
Help your student focus on the long-term benefits of their college experience.
Remind them of their goals, the exciting opportunities ahead, and how this transition
is part of their personal growth. Sometimes, a little perspective can go a long
way in helping them push through tough times.
Seek Support if Needed
If homesickness persists or worsens, it might be helpful to suggest that your
student seek support from campus resources.
We are here to help. Encourage your student to reach out to their advisor,
or to come to walk-ins at our Office of Student Success.
Homesickness is a common part of the college experience, and with your support, your student can navigate this challenge successfully. By encouraging them to embrace new experiences while staying connected to home in healthy ways, you can help them build resilience and confidence as they start this exciting new chapter.
Cathy Manley
Student Success Coordinator: Office of Student Success
College of Applied Human Sciences
West Virginia University
cathy.manley@mail.wvu.edu
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