Feeling homesick is something that many college students will struggle with, and it is especially common amongst freshman. Even students who are psyched for college life and can’t wait to bask in their new-found independence away from parents will often times still find themselves missing home, and it’s completely understandable.

The transition from home to college is hard. The initial shock of a brand new environment can take a toll on many students, making them miss mom’s food, their normal sized bed, and showering without shoes on. Homesickness doesn’t necessarily kick in right when you arrive on campus, though. Personally, I didn’t start to feel really homesick until second semester. Some students, like myself, can get easily wrapped up in all the excitement at the beginning of their collegiate career and not even have time to think about home. That is, until second semester rolls around and all that initial excitement is gone.

The good news is that feeling homesick isn’t permanent, and there are lots of tips and tricks you can use to combat it!

Firstly, you need to understand that what you’re feeling is completely normal.

There is no shame in feeling homesick, and there is nothing wrong with you. I understand that you might feel pathetic and think that nobody else is going through the same emotions that you are, but trust me when I say that loads of students are. Once you have acknowledged that, you can then start to take the necessary steps to work towards getting over it.

Secondly, get connected with campus.

There is no way that you will ever feel completely comfortable somewhere that you know nothing about, so the best thing to do in a new environment is to get acquainted with it. Especially if you come from a small town, being surrounded by thousands of people that you don’t know can be overwhelming. It may sound stereotypical, but joining clubs is a great option. There are hundreds of clubs and opportunities here at Iowa State, making it easy to find something that you would enjoy and to make friends who share the same interests as you. Belonging to some form of group creates a sense of community that will hopefully provide a sense of belonging.

Another thing to do is explore around campus. You could scope out your own personal study spots or find your favorite on-campus cafe. Making campus feel like it “belongs” to you will ultimately make you feel more comfortable.

Thirdly, stay connected (but not too connected) with your home.

Having things from home in your dorm room that provide you with a sense of comfort can be extremely helpful. Make sure to pack photos and sentimental items in your suitcase! It can also help to decorate your dorm room similarly to your room back at home. Going home for the weekend is completely fine, but try your best not to make a bad habit out of it. Pushing yourself to be on your own for periods of time will help you form independence.