I just moved into my dorm at UC Riverside and I didn’t feel homesick at all at first. When we were driving there I was fine, even when my parents left. Now that they’re gone i’m so sad and I miss my whole family, especially my little brother. I’m not that far from home considering I live in LA but I don’t have a car so I can’t just visit. I just want to not feel like this, how long does homesickness usually last?
Homesickness hit when reality hit, when your family left and you were left at school. It is normal, it hurts, there’s not much you can do about that except keep telling yourself that the reason that you feel it is because you were loved deeply. That’s a wonderful and precious thing. There’s no way of knowing just how long it will last for you. Also, it may seem like it’s “gone” then then out of the blue some time later you might feel it again. It’s a process and there’s no discreet suddenly it’s over moment that can be calculated. I can tell you that getting busy and focusing on your new life and everything that comes with it helps. Also don’t stay holed up in your dorm room or apartment. Get out there, meet people, join clubs, etc. Little by little the pain will subside.
In the meantime, set up a text or Skype, or Facetime time with your parents or little brother. The communication devices that we have today that allow for instant and free communication are a blessing when you are going through something like this.
thank you so much!
NorthernMom61 said it best. I really have nothing to add except that I remember the feeling of homesickness so well. It is so hard but hang in there. It will get better. I guess it really is a wonderful thing is some ways because it does mean that you are deeply loved and have that same feeling toward your family. So many in this world do not have that so I guess it is a blessing.
@Almondjoyy Homesickness is totally normal especially when you get the let down from all the pre-college prep, move in hoopla, and immediate social overload. The advice is good above. Get busy in your new life, immerse yourself in your interests, your dorms, your classes and yet set aside a time to communicate daily with the ones you love. As it gets easier you can move those calls to being less but you need them now and they miss you too
When you first get there, it is during orientation and everyone is trying to make friends and there are tons of activities. After a while, you fall into the routine of classes. Try to make the effort to go to some campus activities…sports/movies/concerts etc.