For college students, there are new experiences everywhere with unfamiliar surroundings, different people and a new stage of life to adjust to. It can be overwhelming and leave students longing for what once was – it’s called homesickness.

“It’s not an uncommon thing students are experiencing,” said Marty Martinez, staff psychologist at the Student Counseling Service.

Martinez said anytime there’s a change remembered experiencing doubts about being at college, but it helped her to stay busy and establish a routine.

Incoming freshmen have also found this to be true. The days before classes start can be hard because students don’t always have things to fill their time.

“I remember the first day, my parents left and I’m sitting there, like, what do I do now?” said Robyn Rourke, freshman in biochemistry.

For some students, it is important to maintain relationships from home.

Sade Grant, freshman in preprofessional health programs, said she has friends from home that attend ISU

“A little bit of home is here,” she said.

Rourke said she talks to her parents every day and Grant said her parents call about two times a day.

Homesickness often lessens as time goes on, but Martinez said “it’s still important to deal with.”

He said if it is left unresolved, homesickness can turn into something more serious such as depression and anxiety. The Student Counseling Service is available to help students overcome homesickness and other issues.

Sessions are free for students and the facility is located in the Student Services Building.

For students who aren’t dealing with homesickness, there are symptoms to watch for in peers.

Martinez said people who are homesick may be down or crying or they may spend a lot of time on the phone, talking to people from home. If students see people like this, it is their opportunity to reach out and help a fellow student.

“If you’re close to a person, you can reach out and make that connection.”

Homesick? Here are some tips:

Connect – Get to know the people around you (in classes, at work or in your residence hall).

Get out – Don’t let Facebook be your only social outlet. Join a club or an intramural.

Be patient – College life may be new to you and adjusting will take time.

Remember home – But experience the adventure of college.

Don’t be afraid to seek help. The Student Counseling Service is a free resource available to students. Their Web site is www.iastate.edu/~stdtcouns.