not enjoying college too much

<p>Hi, I go to a top school on the east coast. I've been a college student now for two weeks and cant say im enjoying it too much. I've made plenty of friends and have been to many parties/other events that most college students would deem as fun. However, I cant say im happy at all right now. </p>

<p>I think the main problem is that im really homesick and miss my family. I'm from the west coast and going to a school on the east coast means that I can only see my family a handful of times during the school year. I have like a 5 day break in about a month when I am going back home and I am literally counting down the days. I really miss my family, my dog, having my own room, my own bathroom, etc.. </p>

<p>Any ideas to help me not feel so homesick?</p>

<p>:[ I'm sorry you're homesick! Try not to focus on the fact that you have to wait to see your family, and remember that you can still talk to them on the phone! But mainly, I think if you branch out more [which you said you already do, with friends/parties/etc], that can take your mind off of missing your family, and then you can be happier :]</p>

<p>Distraction comes in many forms. Stay busy, stay away from solitary situations where you dwell on the "missing" folks. This will pass.</p>

<p>I think everyone feels homesick initially. I definitely felt "weird" during my first week as a freshman. But, after that, for whatever reason, it got better, and I wasn't homesick anymore.</p>

<p>This is why I'm staying in-state.</p>

<p>Dream Big as they said in the movie. Me, I prefer to take the risky big step.</p>

<p>I'm sorry you're feeling this way, imathriver. It is pretty miserable to be homesick and while we all say it will get better....and it truly will....it doesn't help much right now.</p>

<p>My D is also at a school nearly 10 hours away from home and has been there about the same amount of time as you. While talking with her today, it just spilled out that she is really missing home, family and friends. Surprised me as she's enjoying herself, gets along well with roommates, likes her classes, etc. She is not due to come home until Thanksgiving and now wants to miss a day or two of school and come home early. I'm not sure what will happen but I'm leaning toward letting her do it. </p>

<p>The thing is this is the girl who couldn't wait to go far away to school and hated the thought of going to a college where anyone from her HS would be. Today she says "I wish I wouldn't have gone so far away" and "I wish I was at a school where my friends are" I know its just the homesickness talking but it made me feel terrible.</p>

<p>I think a balance between keeping in touch with family/friends but not over doing it is key. There are so many ways to "reach out and touch" now and it can make the separation more difficult.....taking the bandaid off slowly if you will. Don't laugh but a good cry can make you feel better too. It's cathartic. My D said music is helping her.</p>

<p>I will keep a good thought for you, my D and all the other freshman struggling with homesickness. May it pass quickly :)</p>

<p>


This is why I'm staying at home :D</p>

<p>Eh, it passes after a month or so (maybe even less)..Consider yourself lucky you're even able to go that far from home. I have to stay in ****ty Florida because of funds even after being accepted to Emory and NYU. So just think, you could have been content being in a state school closeby, and wish you were somewhere more prestigious, or stick it out and you will be happier overall.</p>

<p>It's normal. I was a little homesick too the first couple of days of school. But eventually, I got used to it and I don't really miss my family that much. Granted, I miss some of the little things, like having my own bathroom and stuff but I love having the freedom and independence. And I've got my best friend as my roommate so it's pretty comforting to have a familiar face there. Just try to go through it. Maybe look at some pictures if you have some or call back home from time but eventually you'll get used to it. Don't worry (:</p>

<p>It often takes time to adjust to college life.
I think over time as you form closer relationships with the friends you've made that you might even start viewing college as a second home.</p>

<p>We told S that if he wants to come home for a weekend during the quarter, that is OK (it's an 11 hour drive, but a cheap 1:45 nonstop flight). Knowing that he has that escape valve means he'll never use it, I suspect.</p>

<p>OP, you are not alone. S has been talking to many friends who are going through a similar period of adjustment. They've been together with friends through the past 6-8 years of school, in a very close-knit academic community. You won't make friends like that overnight. It will get better, though. If you are really blue, pop in to your campus's counseling services -- they are very knowledgeable about the difficulty in these transitions.</p>