How to Deal with Homesickness at College

Author Audrey Soemarno '27 is a Media & Communication major and works as a student assistant at JWU, contributing to JWU News.

Homesickness is a concept many college students are familiar with — especially at the start of college, since it might be a students' first time leaving home. Many of us know the feeling of missing home, but don’t worry; it’s a normal feeling, and there are ways to combat it.

A few months ago, Wildcat Willie checked in on a few Johnson & Wales University undergraduates about homesickness, and some expressed that they had experienced it. So if you are a student who is missing home, you aren’t the only one! Here are seven tips for college students struggling with homesickness:

1. Get Involved

It’s important to utilize the community you are in, especially activities, clubs and organizations JWU has to offer. You can find out more on jwuLink or JWU’s involved Providence Campus and Charlotte Campus Instagram pages that frequently post about events and activities happening. There are also many flyers posted up of events on campus. Friends are important, so try to create new traditions with people here that help make college feel like home. Getting involved with campus activities allows you to make new friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

“We see many students who struggle with homesickness, and most transition to a successful adjustment. The key factor is finding a sense of belonging and connection through engagement and developing relationships. This takes time which can be hard at first.” -  JWU Providence Clinical Counselor Jean Russell

“If you’re missing home, go to on-campus events and make the most of being in a new environment and enjoy yourself!” - Resident Assistant Andrew Peet

“I find that making friends along the way is a great help in distracting me from thinking too much about home and allows me to enjoy my time here at JWU." - JWU Charlotte Executive Office Student Assistant Zamya Johnson

2. Find a New Hobby

Get into a new routine and find something that would create a sense of familiarity in your life. As an international student myself, I don’t get to go home on most holidays. During Christmas break of my freshman year, I remember feeling a wave of boredom washing over me and decided to do something about it. I wanted to have a healthier lifestyle and not fill up my days on TikTok. I did research about what workouts to do at the gym and grew to enjoy going to JWU’s fitness center, incorporating it into my daily routine. I have been doing this for over a year now, and I have progressed to helping people who want to start going to the gym. I have seen a change in my body and mental health compared to a year ago. Working out is now a hobby I enjoy, so this is your sign to go try out something new, too.

 “If you're ever feeling homesick, find something that can make you laugh! It helps keep your mind off home and put a smile on your face!” - Resident Assistant Andrew Peet

3. Be Open Minded

It’s important to socialize and be open minded to the new community around you in college. There’s bound to be many people from around the world at JWU — so be open to getting to know someone new. I encourage you to make that first move because they might end up being a huge part of your college experience. This is the time to explore yourself and find people who will become a second family, making bonds that will last a lifetime. You never know; the person sitting next to you might become a friend for life!

“Create a community on campus that you can lean on so you feel less alone.” - JWU Student Abby Vandiver 

“Even though the feeling of home can never be fully recreated, foraging your own community on campus is super important in feeling a sense of belonging and happiness.” - Resident Assistant Aleece O. La Mountain

4. Stay in Touch

Go schedule a call with loved ones back home. It's important to keep in contact with people from home and let them know about your well-being. Stay connected with loved ones back home because a short call can go a long way to help cure homesickness. It can help you feel present in the moment even though you are far away. Consider a regular schedule to set up that call with your loved ones so they know you miss them too.

"Make a music playlist that makes you happy and create a schedule to call loved ones from home."- Resident Assistant Li-Li Thornley

"When I feel a little homesick, I often reach out to my family and friends; staying in touch helps bridge the distance." - Area Coordinator Nanetshka Vargas-Fernandez

"I would definitely advise others to set a time at the end of the week to call home. Especially on JWU Fridays when we have the time." - JWU Charlotte Executive Office Student Assistant Zamya Johnson

'Author's note: JWU does not schedule classes on Fridays, allowing students an extra day for studies, projects and campus activities.

5. Bring Reminders of Home

You can bring an object that reminds you of home. Whether it's a figurine on your desk or pictures posted up on your wall of friends and family, it’s nice to have reminders of home around you. It makes your space cozy and brings the feeling of comfort to your dorm or apartment. Also, it’s fun to decorate your dorm with little trinkets, accessorizing the place to become the aesthetic you what it to be. It’s important to make your living space your own.

“The best advice I have for when you’re feeling homesick is to keep a little memento with you that reminds you of your family. Keeping a reminder of them in my room allowed me to feel a sense of comfort in this unfamiliar environment.” - Resident Assistant Angela Dumford 

6. Explore Your Surroundings

Look for activities that are available in your area. JWU students have opportunities to go explore Providence and Charlotte. You can check out the amazing museums around the area or go get a ticket to watch a Broadway show in a local theater. You can go to iconic WaterFire or Charlotte SHOUT! events, walk in a park, thrift in a shopping district, take a trip to the zoo to see animals or get tickets to a sports game to root for your favorite players. Try the many restaurants with flavorful cuisines or go cafe hopping with friends to go study and get a delicious drink. If you aren’t sold yet, then you could go on a walk around your JWU city. Many great places are very walkable from campus, and it’s a great way to know your way around your new community. Stepping outside for a while will help you embrace new experiences.

“Wherever I am, I make it a point to find a restaurant or ingredients at a local store that allows me to enjoy or recreate those comforting flavors. It’s a small but significant way to feel closer to "home".” - Area Coordinator Nanetshka Vargas-Fernandez

Remember This is Normal

The feeling of homesickness brings in a lot of mixed emotions, and it’s okay to feel this way sometimes. All these reactions are normal — so instead of condemning yourself for feeling these emotions, try finding ways to fix it through some of these tips. If you ever need help, reach out to a friend or your resident assistant or contact JWU Counseling Services (401-598-1016 in Providence or 980-598-1700 in Charlotte). Remember that it's normal to feel this way at some point and know that it is temporary. These feelings will slowly go away as you adjust to your new chapter in life. Many of us feel homesick sometimes, and you are not alone on this journey.

"You wouldn't be given the opportunities presented if you couldn't handle them or weren't ready for them. Embrace the changes happening and use them to grow into the person you want to become."-Resident Assistant Aleece O. La Mountain

"Let yourself have time alone at least once a week to be with yourself and your emotions instead of keeping yourself too busy to think like I did."- JWU Student Abby Vandiver

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