Hey Future Panthers!
Going to college can be
extremely nerve-wracking. For most
people, it is their first experience of having true independence. A common
emotion to feel in the beginning of the year is homesickness.
Being homesick is
different for everyone… Some people love
to go home frequently, and others like only to go home occasionally on breaks. Either way is totally okay! Don’t worry about how much you may or may not
go home! Of course, we want you to enjoy
your time on campus, so here are a few tips to help you survive homesickness!
Tip #1: Make new friends!
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| My friend Rachael and I at the UNI Homecoming game |
Making new friends can be
intimidating, but it really helps with missing your family and friends back
home. In the first couple of weeks of
college, there are many welcome activities- go to them! This is a great way to meet other people in
your hall. Making friends comes
naturally the first week because everyone just wants to get to know each
other. Some of the people I met the
first week are my best friends at college; I know I can go to them whenever I am
upset or excited, and they will listen and offer hugs, tissues, or even lame
jokes to help me feel better. Keep your
door open, smile at familiar faces, and don’t be afraid to introduce yourself… Chances are that you will meet plenty of
wonderful people!
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| My friends and I went to the Pentatonix concert at UNI together! |
Tip #2: Get involved!
Getting involved is a great
way to feel more at home on campus. UNI
offers a huge variety of different ways to get involved. Check out our involvement website at:
I joined music ensembles
and a few clubs relating to my majors, which has helped me stay busy, meet new
friends, and make connections within my field of study. Staying busy will help keep your mind off
things that may be happening at home because you will be busy making memories
at UNI.
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| UNI Choir members |
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| I miss my family- especially my little sister; she is my best friend |
Tip #3: Call home!
Don’t be afraid to call
your family or friends from back home. Even
after being here for almost two semesters, I will still talk to my mom, sister,
or friend from high school a couple of times a week to just let them know how I
am, what I’m doing at UNI, and even to just vent about stressful
situations. Sometimes, hearing a
familiar voice is all you need to help calm yourself down and not worry about
being away from home.
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| But Skyping friends from high school is helpful |
Tip #4: Relax
Classes, activities,
social events, etc. can all be very stressful.
We encourage you to be involved and enjoy the entire college experience,
but don’t forget to take time for yourself.
Whether this is spending some time watching Netflix, painting your
nails, playing video games, knitting, or whatever you love doing, be sure to
remember to do something that helps you feel comfortable and less stressed. I like to paint my nails and read occasionally;
it helps takes my thoughts off home, college, and any other stressful
matter. I am able to just relax and
focus on being in the moment. So don’t
forget to relax, so you can fully enjoy every other experience at UNI!
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| Rachael chooses to relax by playing guitar |
Overall, being homesick
will happen at least once during your time at UNI, but you will survive! Remember, don’t compare life at UNI to life
at home- they will be two completely different experiences. Avoid sitting in your dorm room thinking
about home constantly. Instead, take a
chance- go meet people, get involved, and enjoy the experience!
-STAR Courtney
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