Missing Home? You’re So Not Alone.
You’ve been dreaming of independence since your sophomore year of high school. No curfews, no chores, no one asking why your room looks like a crime scene. In the blink of an eye, college move-in day hits, and suddenly, you’d trade all your newfound freedom for your mom’s spaghetti and your dog’s judgmental side-eye.
If you suddenly crave your hometown Chipotle (yes, the same one you swore you were sick of), congratulations, you’re officially homesick.
The truth? Homesickness in college is normal, common, and totally human. Whether you’re across the country or twenty minutes from home, it’s a real part of adjusting to your new life.
What Does Homesickness in College Feel Like?
Homesickness isn’t just missing your family or your bed. The all-consuming feeling of being homesick kind of feels like having an emotional roommate who refuses to move out.
You Might Feel
Emotionally: sad, lonely, anxious, or nostalgic for things you never thought you’d miss (like your weird local mall).
Physically: low energy, trouble sleeping, or a random craving for your favorite hometown yogurt shop.
It happens because everything in your college life is now entirely new. Including your schedule, your surroundings, and your sense of comfort. Like most things in life, the first step in conquering homesickness is admitting that you have it. If any of these feelings resonate with you (or someone you know), keep reading.
How Long Does Homesickness in College Last?
The good news here is that it doesn’t last forever. Homesickness usually peaks during your first semester and fades as you build routines and friendships. If you’re feeling really homesick right now, give it some time and be patient with yourself. You’re likely adjusting to a thousand new changes all at once.
Everyone adjusts at a different pace. For some, it’s a few weeks, and for others it’s a few months. Sometimes it sneaks back up on you when you least expect it (like midterms or holidays).
Think of it This Way:
Homesickness is the emotional hangover of moving out. It hits hard at first, but give it time, and soon you’ll be too busy living your best “college-core” life to notice.
Some days, you’ll swear you’d trade anything for your childhood bedroom. Other days, you’ll realize the campus coffee shop has surprisingly decent oat milk, and maybe this new place isn’t so bad after all.
Tips for Coping With Homesickness in College
1. Stay Connected (in Moderation)
Text, call, or FaceTime your family and friends (just not all day.) Staying in touch helps, but not being present in your new life doesn’t..
2. Get Involved on Campus
Join a club, sign up for a campus event, or find your people through a hobby or class. College gets better when it stops feeling like a layover and starts feeling like your own zip code. Even awkward icebreakers eventually lead to real connections and maybe a friend who knows where to find the best dining hall cookies.
Lean in!
3. Create a Comfort Zone
Make your dorm feel like you. Hang up photos, light a candle (or get a candle warmer), add cozy bedding, or ask your family for a Real Life Co. gift card to choose something that reminds you of home. Comfort isn’t frivolous. It’s fuel. A familiar pillow, a soft blanket, or a mug can make a surprisingly big difference.
4. Build Routines That Ground You
Wake up at the same time, grab your morning coffee, hit the gym, journal, or go for a short walk.
Small rituals make big changes, and they help your new environment feel predictable and safe. A new planner always helps because writing it down is a natural motivator. If you want more information on this, be sure to check out our Wellness Guide.
Pro Tip: Platforms like FORM or other self-guided fitness apps can make it easier to move your body, eat well, and stay accountable all from your dorm.
5. Take Care of Your Body (It’s Trying Its Best)
Pay attention to what you’re eating and make sure you’re eating balanced meals, even in the dorm cafeterias. Sleep more than four hours… 😉 Move, even a little. Physical care supports mental care. They’re on the same team.
When you treat your body well, your brain follows suit. Try these gummies for extra greens daily - they’re our favorite.
When Homesickness Becomes Overwhelming
If you can’t shake the sadness, find it hard to focus, or nothing feels fun anymore, it might be more than homesickness, and that’s okay, too.
Crying over a salad because it’s not your mom’s cooking? Normal.
Feeling like you can’t get out of bed for days? Time to check in.
The best thing to do in this scenario is to reach out to campus counseling, your RA, or student support services. Think of it as calling in emotional reinforcements. There’s zero shame in asking for help. And a funny podcast can always help, too. The Brosky Report or Therapuss are great choices.
Show Your Homesickness Who’s Boss
College goes by fast. Faster than your laundry pile grows. It’s such a transformative time in life for all, so you’re supposed to feel uncomfortable at times. You’ll look back and realize how much these growing pains shaped your independence and personal growth. Many students around you are quietly feeling the same thing, and you’re just brave enough to admit it.
So be proud of yourself. You left home, started fresh, and are learning to build a life that’s yours. Homesickness is just the reminder that you came from something worth missing, so be grateful for that.
Feeling homesick means you’re growing, stretching, and finding your footing.
So take a breath, call your mom, fluff your dorm pillows, and keep going.
Because you’re not just missing home, you’re building your next one.
