Let's be honest: while college is immensely better than high school, it can still have its downsides, and homesickness is one of those. Most people anticipate feeling homesick during the first semester, but they're not always ready for the homesickness that happens upon returning to campus for the spring. The newness of the fall semester can overshadow feelings of loneliness, distract from missing home, and offer lots of excitement. On the other hand, returning in the winter for the second semester isn't nearly as thrilling.
As much as you love your friends and can't wait to see your roommate, it can still be tough to transition from being on break to being in your dorm. The weather sucks, there's a lot less privacy and you have to wear shoes in the shower. So while college is great, it's important to acknowledge that it's still school, and being overwhelmed with work can make you miss the security of home. Being at home signifies break which means there's no work, or if there is, it's not due immediately, and at the very least you don't have to go to class. Homesickness can hit hard during the second semester, but it's nothing to be ashamed of; you just have to learn how to handle it.
Stay social.
Your first instinct when you're feeling homesick is going to be to curl up in bed and avoid everything and everyone. Wallowing won't make you feel better, and will just isolate you even further, increasing your desire for the familiarity of home. You don't have to go out and party if that's not your thing. It could be something as simple as grabbing dinner with a friend or going to a dorm event, just don't close yourself off.
Don't skip class.
New classes and syllabuses filled with numerous assignments you'll have to start immediately can seem daunting, but don't let your anxiety keep you from going. You should go to every class for at least the first two weeks. Otherwise, you're going to fall behind and you won't know what's going on in class, leading to even more anxiety, and less of a desire to go.
Figure out what relaxes you.
When feelings of homesickness get especially intense you're going to need something to relax you and take your mind off of it. Whether it's a TV show, a good book, or some music, you need something that will mellow you out and help you calm down. Knowing that you always have something to relax you will give you some peace of mind.
Have something to look forward to.
Whether it's rushing a sorority, joining a club, or auditioning for a play, having something to look forward to will help dispel the feelings of homesickness. Focusing on an event or occasion that you're interested in will help you get excited for the semester, and will keep you from constantly wanting to be home.
Call home.
Keep in touch with your family and friends from back home. It will help you feel less like you're missing out. There's no right way to do this, it's whatever is comfortable for you. I have a friend who talks to her mom every day and another who can't be bothered to answer his father's texts, so you decide what works.
See a professional.
Sometimes, the best thing to do is talk to a counselor, especially if you're uncomfortable talking to your friends about how you're feeling. They can listen and offer suggestions about how to handle your homesickness. Best of all -- it's a free campus resource.
Have a great semester!
