Homesick

"First semester is going to be hard. Especially the first 2 weeks. Things will eventually fall together because by then you're making new friends and getting used to things around you." - Patricia Kablutsiak, Nunavut

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‍Role Models

Fireside Chat with Sateana Goupil

"And in this information age, where we have the ability to do these types of video chats. So, using these platforms will enable you to get rid of some of the homesickness, although you're not physically there, you could be there virtually. And, I feel that the opportunities that you're given, will present themselves on occasion in your life. And being okay to be nervous and anxious and recognize that you will overcome these challenges."

DISCUSSION GUIDE

Tips & Tricks

Talk To Someone

Know that you are not alone. Everyone feels homesick at some point. Talk to a councillor, instructor, or a friend. Be honest about how you are feeling. Just talking about it can help relieve the feeling of homesickness. Take part in activities with new friends, it might be scary at first, but it will get easier and you will be creating new memories with new friends.

Tools and Resources

Homesick

Triggers: Homesickness

Understanding what triggers homesickness can help us prepare for the emotions involved and set up coping strategies to deal with it before the emotions overwhelm us.

Check out this site to help understand what might be triggers for homesickness: Homesickness

Homesick

Feeling homesick? Here’s how to cope

  • Give yourself time: it may take you some time to adjust to your new surroundings. Give yourself a few weeks to get used to things and form a new daily routine.
  • Find balance: after moving out, you may feel the urge to go home a lot. It’s important to do what’s best for you while meeting your other responsibilities (attending class, going to work, etc.).
  • Keep in touch: schedule phone calls or video chats with friends and family to stay connected and give yourself something to look forward to each week.
  • Be kind to yourself: make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious food and getting enough exercise to take care of your physical health. You can try meditating, going for a walk outside or taking a warm bath to take care of your mental and emotional health.
  • Make yourself at home: decorate your new living space with things that will make it feel more like home. You could bring a favourite pillow, blanket or other item from home. If it’s in your budget, you could go shopping for some new items to help you settle in.
  • Put up pictures: put up photos of loved ones in your new living space to help you feel closer to friends and family. You can also set the backgrounds on your devices as photos of loved ones. Displaying posters of things you enjoy can also help you feel more comfortable.
  • Get involved: put yourself out there and make new friends in your area, volunteer your time at a local charity or join a club that interests you.
  • Stay busy: pick up a new hobby, watch a new TV show, apply for a job or try a new workout routine to keep your mind preoccupied and off of missing home.
  • Get support: if you’re struggling with being away from home, you can reach out to a parent/caregiver, friend or resident advisor (if you live on your post-secondary school’s campus). You can always call a Kids Help Phone counsellor at 1-800-668-6868.

From: READ Feeling homesick? Here's how to cope.

Homesick

5 Things Parents Can Do To Help Their Homesick College Students

1. Send a Care Package
2. Limit Phone and Video Calls
3. Visit Them At School Instead Of Making Them Come Home
4. Share Your Own Experiences
5. Don't Tell Them How Much You Miss Them

What?! This seems crazy! Learn more about why HERE.