Throughout high school you just cant wait to move out and be on your own. You were so excited to leave your parents and you didn’t think that you would ever go back home.

Little did you realize that college classes are much harder than the classes you took in high school, going to the grocery store is very expensive, and its hard to find a meal that comes close to your mom's chili. Being homesick every once in a while is normal. In fact, it would be rather strange if you never got homesick during your time in college. As a junior this year, I have battled just about everything when it comes to being away from home, here’s how:

When I moved into the dorms my freshman year I decided to leave my childish things at home so I could officially move onto adulthood. My first semester went by very smoothly and I didn’t go home very often. I felt very comfortable in my dorm and with the classes I was taking. I joined an amazing sorority of over 200 girls who supported me each and every day. Without these girls I don’t think I could have gotten through my first semester of college so smoothly. I kept busy by working out, going to the library, and going to events with girls that I had met in my pledge class. This helped a lot because it allowed my mind to stay side tracked, instead of thinking about being homesick. However, when it started to get colder outside and winter rolled around I spent a lot more time in the dorms and less time outside. This caused me to miss home even more. Being in a small confined space for a long period of time was hard for me.

After Christmas break I had a difficult time returning back to the dorms after living in luxury at my parents house with 3 meals a day and a queen size bed for a month. I decided then that it would be a good idea to bring my beanie baby back to school with me to make me feel a little at home. (Also, I think Cowy felt a little lonely in my room.) Little did I know that Cowy would be just the right medicine to my homesickness. I missed being at home with my family and my puppy, but seeing my childhood stuffed animal made my dorm feel a little more comfortable.     

Second semester flew by, but each week felt long. I missed laying in bed with my large golden doodle Lucy and the comfort of being in my house. By this time, Facetime was my best friend. My parents and I spent every Sunday talking about our weekends and showing me Lucy’s latest haircut. Facetime truly got me through my freshman year of college. However, too much of it could make you miss your family and hometown even more. 

Going home occasionally for the weekend can be great to catch up with your family and stock up on food. However, I have learned that going home every weekend will only make you miss home even more. If there is any advice I could give about being homesick its to not go home. The more you stay at the school, the more you will come to love your surroundings and the people you surround yourself with. Although being homesick can be hard, going away for college could be the best thing for a person, even if it is just an hour away.