<p>First semester is almost over, and there have been a lot of ups and downs. I really love this school, but I'm super close with my family and it's been hard not to be homesick. I've had several bouts of really terrible homesickness that sort of come and go, but I've done everything I can to combat them. I joined a sorority and a ton of clubs and a sport in order to keep busy, and it seems to be helping a lot. I have a lot of friends in my dorm and my roommate is awesome. I was really looking forward to Thanksgiving break, however, so I could finally see my high school friends and be with my family again, and once I came back I was really homesick. I cried when I had to leave my house, and felt really sad and anxious Monday and Tuesday. Now a few days in, I feel better again, but I'm worried this will increase after Winter Break. After almost a full month of being home, I don't know how I'm going to face coming back to school and being away again. Any tips?</p>
<p>sounds like you really haven’t met the right group of friends. </p>
<p>if you did you’d be more excited to be back. you’re still a freshman, there’s plenty of people more to meet</p>
<p>I think they are definitely good friends, it’s just that it’s only been a semester and there’s a huge difference between people you’ve only known for a few months and people you’ve known for years. It’s not like I’m not excited to see everyone or to be here, it’s just that a lot of times I’d just rather be at home</p>
<p>Is this your first experience being away from home for an extended period? It can be quite an adjustment for some people. You are doing the right thing by getting involved in a variety of activities and staying busy. Can your family visit during a weekend during second semester to break it up a little? You might really enjoy playing hostess and showing them around your school. It will also give you something to look forward to and make the transition back from winter break a little easier. Many college students plan a spring break trip together too. I think as you form stronger bonds with your new friends and sorority sisters you will be more comfortable at school and less homesick. I hope things improve soon.</p>
<p>Don’t worry. You will get over it soon. My friend’s daughter went to UM in town and got her BSc and master degree in 5 years. Then she went to UCB for PhD. Since she never left home for more than a couple weeks, she got a severe homesick and quit grad school after the first semester. It is good that you are going through this earlier and you will have a much wider view for the future. I had that experience too, but with a much farther distance than you and much much less frequent home visit (once every 3 years) during my graduate study.</p>
<p>Thank you for the advice! I actually live pretty close and will probably plan a few trips home or a visit to break it up, and I think that will help a lot.</p>
<p>The feelings you are having are totally normal. You are doing all the right things! Be patient with yourself and before you know it, you will be feeling better. You have to give yourself time to adjust to being away and all that goes with it. Hang in there! Remember, the bottom line is that you are getting your education at one of the best schools in the country!</p>