<p>Also (this helped me and it might help you), put up pictures of friends and family on your wall. I’ve found that it really helps with loneliness for me. We’re all in different parts of the state/country now, but we can still call or Skype each other, so we’re all still very close.</p>
<p>Oh and Vanagandr, I think it’s worth it. It’s much harder to be involved socially when all your friends live on campus and you commute. Like I said though, if you’re hurting for cash stay at home.</p>
<p>Pyro - I would submit that is not the case. If commuting, who says one must go home immediately after classes? There are places besides dorms to interact. You are correct in that social interaction on campus would be harder, but I would say only marginally so. Also, it is not as if the campus is the only place where one can socially interact; it is not as if the instant one departs campus, one returns to a monastery under an oath of silence.</p>
<p>Again, I ask: is being able to sleep there worth 5 large? The current interest on unsubsidised loans is 6.5%, and after four years compounded, that becomes 28%, so the said 5,6K becomes 7,2K. That is 7,2K not available for future purchases, just for an additional, marginal amount of social interaction. For that much, join a country club and network.</p>
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<p>This. Little things are super important. I’m 2500 miles from home and haven’t felt an ounce of homesickness - that doesn’t mean I don’t love my family. I guess it’s different for me though because I’m the youngest and I’ve been independent in most everything since I was in middle school (walking/driving to school, making my own breakfast/lunch, doing my homework without help, etc.) and because both my brother and sister left for college so I was already ready for the separation anxiety and stuff. My mom cried hard when my brother left, not that much when my sister left, and was ecstatic when I left because now she gets to travel with my dad without having to worry that their kids will throw a rager as soon as they leave (which has happened three times). </p>
<p>There are little things to do, though, that remind you that your family still cares about you. I’ve only had text conversations with my parents/siblings since I’ve got out here but they’re awesome and unexpected. I’ll get random texts from my sister about how ****ty her work is, or she’ll text me something stupid like ‘watch out for the fat chicks’ or yesterday I texted my dad to let him know I got an A on my first real college paper, and he texted me (sarcastically) saying he got an A on his Budget Analysis Report and said “congratulations to the both of us, though mine is more impressive I think.” It’s nice to laugh about stuff like that. </p>
<p>For some reason though, I’m actually glad that I’m far away from home because alot of the people I thought were my close friends really aren’t. They all promised that they’d keep in touch and talk to me (almost) every day, but in reality I’ve only talked to a few of my reallllllly close friends. So it makes you realize who really counts. I’ve also already become super close with the 8 guys in my hall, and it’s like we’ve known each other for 15 years, not 15 days.</p>
<p>Bumble, Hang in there. It’s very normal to feel homesickness during the initial transition period. You have the added stress of being an international student and getting used to a new culture (food, language, socialization, etc.). Know that you are setting up the example for your younger siblings. They will see that you can handle living independently and are able to adjust to living in a new environment. Leaving the nest does not mean that you lose your love for your family. It means that your family has succeeded in giving you the tools needed to successfully live and learn independently.</p>
<p>Definitely join the clubs directed towards international students. This will allow you to meet other international students and form friendships with them. They can relate to your situation and can help you make the transition. They remember what is was like when they came to this country. They can relate to your homesickness (because they’ve been through it) and can give you advice on how to make the transition less stressful.</p>
<p>It’s still very early in the school year. Give it some more time. Remember that your love for your family doesn’t decrease when you move out of the household. Allow yourself the the ability to feel happiness and joy for this new experience in your life. Feeling joy and happiness in college (away from your family) does not mean that the bond you have with your family will be broken. When you do see them again, you will have so many new experiences to share with them. </p>
<p>Use Skype, emails, instant messaging, and handwritten letters to keep in touch. Through your communication, they can share in the experience with you. Show your younger siblings that there is a big world out beyond the walls of their home. Focus on the positive things in your life. </p>
<p>Make a list each day of the things you want to accomplish. Say hello to people in your classes. Join the International Student’s Club. Give yourself a little more time to get acclimated to your new environment. </p>
<p>You asked about what good can come from talking with someone at the counseling center.
Sometimes, having the freedom to discuss your feelings with someone in private can make a person feel better. The counselors are used to talking with kids who are dealing with homesickness. They can help you see things in a different way. Give it a try.</p>
<p>THANK YOU TO ALL THE POSTERS.</p>
<p>i read each and everyone of your posts [some of them twice!] and i feel alot better [alhumdulillah] </p>
<p>I talked to my academic coach/advisor and it really did help. i didn’t think it would, but talking about my new experiences and troubles did help me feel better and like the load on my head decreased. im not saying that im one hundred percent ok with being overseas, but it certainly was worth it.</p>
<p>ive joined three clubs since reading your message, and meeting people was really nice. uhm, i’ve always been the “attachable/territorial” type i suppose, so moving to a new place and settling for me has always been particularly difficult. when i moved from my old house when i was younger, apparently i hugged every pillar before leaving and wouldn’t stop crying. so i’m working on not being so attached and im trying to make new friends here. </p>
<p>i skype everyday, sometimes even twice. maybe this is excessive, but i find it really helpful and i feel connected. my parents sent me a surprise gift in the mail a few days ago, and we send each other messages without telling the other!</p>
<p>so thank you for all of your advice, help, and support. i feel a thousand times better since i posted this. =)</p>