Starting out at a new school can be difficult, especially if you are moving away from friends or family.
Here are a few strategies you can use to overcome homesickness this semester.
1. Keep a hopeful outlook
While it may not be obvious, many students feel homesick, even as transfer students. Remind yourself that it’s okay to experience homesickness, especially when you have said goodbye to familiar people and places.
It’s also important to keep in mind that homesickness is temporary. Chances are that feelings of loneliness or homesickness will lessen as you get more familiar with campus life and the people at CU.
2. Stay in touch
While you navigate life on campus and meet new people, it’s important to keep in touch with your friends and family back home. Even if your friends are attending different colleges or living in different cities, checking in and catching up can help you feel more connected.
If you’re struggling, reach out to someone you trust and talk through it. Staying in contact with people you love can help you feel like you’re not alone, and it can remind you that you have people you can rely on in tough times.
Keep in mind that having a solid support system back home is important, but it also shouldn’t impede you from spending time or creating new connections here at CU.
3. Establish a routine
Living independently, navigating a new place and juggling a potentially demanding class schedule may require you to change up your previous routines. In fact, finding a rhythm on campus can help ease anxiety and uncertainty because it provides more predictability day to day.
Here are some easy ways to add routine to your day:
Creating a routine, no matter how small it may be, can help you feel more at ease and in control of your day.
4. Put yourself out there (even if it’s hard)
Making friends as an adult may seem harder than it used to be. It can feel intimidating to be vulnerable and put yourself out there. However, it’s important to remember that if you’re struggling to make new 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:
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.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or needs urgent, same-day support, please call Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) at 303-492-2277. You can also visit the Emergency & Crisis Care page for additional resources and support.