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5 things you should do if you’re feeling homesick

student hugging parents

Whether it’s your first year or your last, feeling lonely or homesick can affect anyone.  

Here are a few strategies you can use to feel more connected on campus. 

1. Keep a hopeful outlook

While it may not be obvious, many students feel homesick or lonely. Remind yourself that it’s okay to experience these feelings, especially after you've said goodbye to your friends, family, home or routine. 

It’s also important to keep in mind that these feelings are temporary. Chances are that whatever you're feeling will lessen over time as you branch out and adjust to new routines. 

Here are some tips for staying hopeful: 

  • Set small, achievable goals, like attending one campus event or talking to someone new each week.
  • Remind yourself of the reasons you chose to attend CU and the opportunities that lie ahead.
  • Allow yourself to feel your feelings when they arise and allow yourself to move on to other things. If you are feeling overwhelmed by your feelings, take a break and distract yourself by calling a friend, reading a book, or listening to music.
  • Remind yourself that homesickness can be a sign that you have loving relationships with others, which is something to be grateful for. 

2. Stay in touch

It’s important to keep in touch with your friends and family back home, no matter how you’re feeling. Making an effort to regularly check in and catch up can help you feel more connected with your loved ones, which can help ease feelings of homesickness and loneliness.   

If you’re struggling, reach out to someone you trust and talk through it. Leaning on people you love can help remind you that you’re not alone and that you have people you can rely on in tough times. Having a solid support system back home is important, but it also shouldn’t impede you from creating new connections. 

Here are some ways to stay connected: 

  • Schedule regular calls or video chats with friends or families.
  • Exchange letters with one another. After all, who doesn’t like receiving something in the mail?
  • Stay connected over social by sharing your experiences (or continuing to exchange memes).
  • Create a group chat to keep everyone in the loop and provide collective support. 

3. Establish a routine

Living independently, navigating a new place, taking on more responsibilities and juggling a demanding class schedule may require you to adjust your normal routine. In fact, creating a routine, no matter how small it may be, can help ease feelings of anxiety and make life more predictable. Just remember that you may need to be flexible and make changes from semester to semester depending on what you have going on. 

Here are some easy ways to add routine to your days:  

  • Take the same route to and from your classes during the semester.
  • Meet up with friends, classmates or hallmates to eat around the same time.
  • Plan out your time for classes, studying and socializing.
  • Find a study spot on campus that helps you focus.
  • Establish a consistent laundry or cleaning schedule for your space. 

4. Put yourself out there (even if it’s hard)

Making friends as an adult may seem harder than it used to be when you were younger. It can feel intimidating to be vulnerable and put yourself out there. These feelings are normal.  However, it's important to remember that if you're struggling to make friends or find ‘your people' here on campus, you're not alone. 

Here are a few ways you can work to put yourself out there:  

  • Avoid relying on one person to ‘have it all.’
  • Stay open to making different friends for different reasons (e.g., someone who is good to study with may not be the same person who would make a good confidant).
  • Get together as a group if you’re nervous about hanging out with someone one-on-one.
  • Become a regular at events or campus activities.
  • Sit near the same people in your classes and join study groups.
  • Remind yourself that some students may be struggling to find connections, so do your best to be inclusive and invite others to tag along.  

5. Connect with resources

If you’re struggling to connect with others, feel lonely or need some extra help, try connecting with support resources on campus. 

Student events: Each semester, Student Affairs hosts hundreds of events, workshops and other opportunities to get involved. Check out upcoming opportunities to meet other Buffs and have fun on campus.

Transfer Buffs: Find resources, events and opportunities to build community with your fellow transfer students on campus.  

Beyond Campus Buffs: Do you commute to CU or live off campus? Get involved with the Beyond Campus Buffs Program to meet other students, access the Commuter Lounge and more.  

Peer Wellness Coaching: Meet with a trained student to explore ways to make friends on campus, set goals, create routines and make the most of your time at CU Boulder. 

Center for Student Involvement: Check out a variety of ways to get involved, including student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more.

First-Generation Students Program: Join a community of first-gen students to socialize, learn about campus resources, find support and more.

Pride Office: The Pride Office supports LGBTQ+ students through community events, social spaces, resources and more. 

Residence hall events: Residence halls on campus host events to help students meet their hallmates. Check with your RA to learn about upcoming events.

Campus jobs: Build your resume, learn valuable leadership skills and meet new people by applying for a job on campus!

Recreation Services: The Rec Centers on campus are a great way to meet people, practice hobbies, stay active and try new things. They offer something for everyone from outdoor trips and fitness classes to team sports and free events.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS): CAPS offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of concerns such as academics, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use and more.