I’m Feeling Homesick, Is This Normal?

More than likely, the first time someone leaves home for college, the homesick feelings will begin to creep in. It's perfectly natural for a college student undergoing this traumatic life change. Think about it. Everything you've ever known for the first 18 years of your life is now completely different. But change is part of life, and this, too, shall pass as you begin to discover a new world.

There are some things you can do during this time of life change to lessen those heavy thoughts and feelings that college students begin to experience. The most important thing to remember is that - as with everything in the natural world - change is good, and you need to focus your attention on other things.

First, get involved with something you're interested in. Part of the college life is experimenting and learning new things about yourself. Try to forget those homesick feelings by joining a college club or team of some kind. There are all kinds of options for young, vibrant college students, and many of them are right in front of you if you just open your eyes. Learn to play an instrument. Take up a new hobby. Do some research on the Web and look for sites that offer teen advice for college students with these homesick feelings. Something that's emerged lately with the popularity of networking sites like Myspace is Facebook.com - a networking site dedicated to your college, telling you about events going on around your school or college that might be interesting.

Also, pick up the phone and talk to someone. Whether it is mom and dad, or friends back home, a simple phone call where you can hear a familiar voice is always a good idea. It'll let you know you're not alone.

In fact, talking to anyone is good therapy. A neighbor, the postman, your RA, or a teacher - everyone at some point in time has experienced similar feelings, unless they're a robot of some kind. We are all human, and life changing experiences are as natural as waking up everyday - it's bound to happen sometime, so let someone who knows give you their idea for a cure.

Part of the college student's life is the non-stop action that is available for the taking. Embrace this activity and find things that you can truly enjoy. Spend time with other students, get coffee, play sports, catch up on homework, or just relax and explore this new world for what it's worth. Any of these activities can keep you busy, take your mind off home, and lessen those homesick feelings.

The key is to know that the student life should be fun, and it's meant to be a liberating experience. So, don't sit in your dorm room sulking. Get out and do something with yourself. Or, find a friend and enjoy the company of strangers as you begin to embrace this new life. It's all there for the taking - go get it.