Homesickness is defined as, “the feeling of longing for one's home during a period of absence from it.” From sleepovers at a friend's house, attending summer sleepaway camp, or even vacation, we’ve all experienced it in some way or another. What can be tough to navigate as a teenager though, is what to do once that period of absence becomes excruciatingly long, or (in cases such as mine and college students) permanent.
As a boarding school student who made the decision to move away from home at 16 and pursue a life essentially identical to college students’, the feeling of homesickness is one that I have become particularly accustomed to. While the process of learning how to deal with homesickness is one that is different for everyone, I figured I would share my top 3 ways to find your home away from home as a student.
1- Finding your routine
Getting used to life in a new place can be hectic and unpredictable, with many factors you can’t control. They could be small, like only being able to eat dinner when the dining hall is open, or big, like having to adjust to a new sleeping schedule. No matter what it is, though, it’s essential for anyone, especially students, to find a routine that works for them and makes them feel in control of their day to day life. If your dining hall provides dinner at 5:30, then go at 5:30, every day, and eat a proper meal. Quicker than you would expect, your body becomes used to this new way of eating, and this technique can be used for every habit in your daily schedule. Things like showering, waking up, doing homework, etc., all require a strict consistency that provides stability, which can help things feel less chaotic when living away from home. Finding a schedule that works for you is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a student.
2- Exploring or continuing hobbies
Although it’s no secret that life as a full time student is busy, it’s imperative to make time to continue your hobbies, passions, and activities. Take a break from studying to go to the gym, cook, or read every once in a while. While it’s most likely that these hobbies will look vastly different in your new way of life, pursuing them in any capacity can lead to numerous benefits. Studies have shown that hobbies such as art, puzzles, etc. can reduce stress and improve mental health. The Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care says, “people with hobbies may be less likely to experience stress, low mood, and depression.” Getting outdoors for exercise like yoga, jogging, or gardening can lower your blood pressure and increase your overall energy. Although continuing previous hobbies can really give you that home-sweet-home feel, trying out a new club or organization can also be beneficial. Branching out gives you the opportunity to meet new people and put yourself out there.
3- Decorating your dorm
I’ve always been someone with an instagram feed full of posts from Dormify and PotteryBarn, but I never understood the importance of properly decorating your living area until I moved into a dorm. Your dorm should be a place you feel safe, comfortable, and somewhere you look forward to going at the end of the day. By creating an aesthetically pleasing and customized dorm, you can create a space where you not only can be productive, but that gives you a sense of belonging. It’s important to utilize things like photos, posters, and other decor to personalize your space, and make it representative of your personality. A cozy and well-decorated dorm can also make it easier to host friends or classmates. It provides a space where you can gather, chat, or study together, fostering relationships and helping you feel more connected to others.
At some point or another, we are all faced with the challenge of adjusting to a new life. Whether it’s moving into a new house, or hours away from your hometown and into a dorm, everyone copes with homesickness differently. While it’s important to find time to incorporate these three tips into your day to day life as a student away from home, you should also be finding the techniques that work best for you. Never forget, a simple call, text or facetime to a friend or family member can make all the difference for a stressed out and busy student. In the midst of it all, don’t forget what a unique and empowering experience living away from home is. Take advantage of it, put yourself out there, and don’t forget to study hard.
Works Cited
Dev, Simran. “Homesickness is real.” Medium, 19 October 2023, https://medium.com/@senantha10/homesickness-is-real-5357bdf80693. Accessed 10 November 2024.
“Purposeful activity.” Head to Health, https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/living-well/purposeful-activity. Accessed 19 January 2025.
Nora Medlock
11th Grade
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts
Instagram- @nc.medlock
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