Let’s be real: homesickness hits different when you’re finally in college. It doesn’t always show up how you expect. Sometimes it’s a wave of sadness on a Sunday night. Other times, it’s the ache in your chest when you see a family eating together at a restaurant or the way your heart softens at the smell of your hometown food from a stranger’s Tupperware. Homesickness is real, and if you’re feeling it, you’re not alone.
When I left my small rural town in California to attend Amherst, I was excited—ready for new friendships, challenging classes, and the independence I’d always dreamed of. But no one prepared me for the quiet moments that made me miss home in a way I’d never felt before.
Here are a few things that helped me—and might help you too—when that feeling creeps in
1. Feel It, Don’t Fight It
First, let yourself feel it. College is a huge transition. You’re adjusting to a new environment, new people, and new routines. Missing the familiar is human. Don’t shame yourself for feeling sad or out of place—acknowledge it. Sometimes, journaling or even sending a voice memo to a trusted friend from home helps me let it out without bottling things up.
2. Find Pieces of Home in Unexpected Places
Whether it’s cooking a meal from home with friends (trust me, dorm kitchens are more than just stovetops—they’re memory-makers) or hanging up pictures of your family, find small ways to bring home to you. I started making crepes with friends on Sunday evenings at Greenways—it turned into our own cozy tradition, and it reminds me of weekend breakfasts with my siblings.
3. Get Involved—But Don’t Overload Yourself
Joining clubs, attending campus events, or saying yes to a spontaneous coffee invite can make the unfamiliar feel a little more like community. But it’s also okay to say no sometimes. Create space for yourself to recharge. Homesickness can get worse when you’re burnt out. Be intentional about finding balance.
4. Stay Connected Without Getting Stuck
Calling home is comforting—until it becomes a crutch. I had to learn how to keep in touch with loved ones without clinging to the past. Set a regular FaceTime call or send little updates. It helps maintain those bonds without stopping you from building new ones.
5. Remind Yourself Why You’re Here
Write it down. Say it out loud. Tattoo it to your soul if you have to. You’re here because you worked hard, you deserve to be here, and you’re growing—even when it feels hard. Every time you feel out of place, remember the version of you who dreamed of this opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Homesickness doesn’t mean you’re not ready for college—it means you come from a place that mattered. That’s beautiful. And slowly, as you find your people, your places, your new routines… college starts to feel like a second home too.
And if no one’s told you today: you’re doing a good job.