Outreach

Finding Comfort and Joy: Overcoming Homesickness

February 3, 2025 by mariahp

By Ryn Olivarez

Starting a new chapter at a new university is an exciting adventure, but let’s be real–it can also be a bit daunting, especially when homesickness sneaks up on you like a pop quiz. The longing for home and familiarity, paired with feelings of loneliness even if surrounded by people, can be overwhelming. It’s natural, and encouraged, to seek comfort when experiencing these feelings. Here are some effective strategies to help combat these feelings and make the transition smoother:

Practice self-care. It’s important during this time to prioritize your mental health. Whether it be by cleaning and caring for your physical space or your mental one. Pursue your hobbies and do things that bring you joy. Making your space feel like home is another great way to practice self-care. Spruce up your home or room with pictures or paintings, rugs and lamps, etc.

Get active! While staying home can be a great source of comfort, too much time alone can be isolating. Spend time outdoors, try a new sport, or get involved on campus! You can also explore new environments, so if you’re looking for new places to try, check out Visit College Station or Destination Bryan.

“My whole life I have lived in the same house, so moving away was definitely out of my comfort zone. At the beginning of the year, I was extremely homesick and constantly wanted to drive back home. Overcoming it is not easy, but it is possible when you realize there is so much to offer here at Texas A&M University, and there are so many opportunities to look forward to,” said Avery Morgenroth ‘28.

Stay connected. Maintain strong relationships with your hometown friends and family through regular calls and texts. Aside from staying connected with loved ones, focus on yourself too. Set short- and long-term goals, establish a routine, and prioritize your personal growth.

Vanina Poulsen, ‘25 says “Getting homesick as a transfer is super common. I left a whole group of friends to come to another school with all new people. To get through it, I talk to my family every day, and I go see my friends from my old college.”

Embrace the transition. Understand that homesickness is a perfectly normal feeling, especially among college students. However, instead of bottling things up and pushing those feelings aside, embrace them. Talk about it with friends and family, and most importantly, stay positive. Recognize that not all transitions are easy, and some take time to conquer.

“Everyone gets homesick eventually, and having people to lean on made it easier to handle. It’s so important to have a support system, even if it’s not the one you’re used to,” said Claire Lewis, ‘25.

No matter where you are in your college journey, from your first semester to your last, homesickness can hit when you least expect it and is a natural part of the transition. Embrace the process, make new friends, and find your rhythm. It's okay to miss home, but don't forget to enjoy the present and all the opportunities that come with it.

Find Your Squad: A Guide to Making Friends at Texas A&M

September 11, 2024 by mariahp

People always talk about the wonderful and lifelong friendships they made in college. Roommates become bridesmaids, lab partners turn into godfathers; but how do those relationships happen? During those first few weeks of college, it can be hard to imagine how connections with classmates might evolve. Some may become lifelong friends, while others dissolve into weekly semester acquaintances. It leaves you to wonder, “Will I ever find my people?”

First Connections

Attending college can be overwhelming. In addition to figuring out how to navigate your classes, finding friends may seem daunting. It’s almost like your first day of Kindergarten: Everything and everyone is new. As scary as it may sound, putting yourself out there and pushing past your comfort zone is a key aspect in meeting new people.

You might meet potential friends in your classes or major, or where you work. One of the most popular ways to meet new people with similar interests is by joining a student organization. With over 1,300 organizations on campus, there is something for everyone. The Student Activities webpage has a search-by-category option, which is useful when looking for something specific. Some organizations are competitive, some are philanthropic, and others are purely social; it all depends on what you are looking for.

Whether it be an academic/professional group or a social men/women’s organization, Texas A&M University has an endless list of things to join that will help get you involved. Just remember: Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to go up to new people.

Degrees of Friendship

Not everyone you meet is meant to be your best friend. There are different types of friendships, especially in college, and each one is important in its own way.

Educational: These friends are there to provide informational and professional assistance. Think of people who would be your study buddies or you would look to for information (either about jobs, registration, or advice about school and careers).
Social: This is a person who you would have a good conversation with, and someone you want to hang out with. Maybe you text these friends when you need a coffee or a friend to go with you to an organization informational. These are people who would attend a football game with you.
Emotional: These friends are your shoulder to cry on; someone you can vent to and get more personal advice from. They are there for your highs and lows, and you can count on them for support.

Friends can be all three! However, it’s also okay to recognize that everyone has a different role in your life, and there is no specific mold for friendships.

Navigating the Ups and Downs

Every good friendship has setbacks, but how you respond to them defines its future. The key is communication. Whether you’re feeling left out, someone said something that rubbed you the wrong way, or you simply need time to yourself, conversations about feelings are essential. If a conflict arises, take a step back to cool off. Usually, initial feelings simmer down after stepping away from the issue. When it comes time to have that conversation, have an open mind. Listen to what the other person is saying and try to understand where they’re coming from. Lastly, find a compromise. It’s not about who’s right or wrong but figuring out a way to correct the behavior and move forward.

So, as you dive into this new chapter, remember friendships are like Rome - they aren’t built in a day. Don’t stress if you haven’t found your crew right away. Keep putting yourself out there, join those clubs, and be open to new experiences. Before you know it, you’ll have a mix of friends who support you in different ways, from study buddies to game day pals. Embrace the journey, and enjoy every moment of it. College is a wild ride, and the friendships you make along the way will be some of the best parts. You’ve got this!

Aggie Game Day Hacks

August 28, 2024 by mariahp

With the Notre Dame football game approaching, figuring out how to make the day successful may be stressful. However, with the proper preparation, game day should run smoothly! Below are some useful tips on how to go about navigating your first game day at Texas A&M University.

Understand new ticket pull changes:

Changes have been made to the way ticket pull campout works. Starting after the Notre Dame game, tents can only be set up starting at 6 a.m., the Sunday before the official ticket pull begins. For more information regarding specific detail changes, visit the Division of Student Affairs website.

How to get together for ticket pull:

You’ll need to know the right day according to your classification.

Freshman: Thursdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sophomores: Wednesdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Juniors: Tuesdays 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Seniors and Graduate Students: Monday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fridays and Game days are walk-ups. Any remaining tickets will be available for purchase.

Our advice: Go with a group! Either designate a specific person to grab tickets or go together. Remember that your Sports Pass will need to be handed over, so be cautious of who you give it to. Remember: with group pull, the majority wins; A freshman going with a group of sophomores means sophomore pull day (Wednesday) for all.

Know your transportation options:

For those with a Texas A&M parking permit, make sure your car does not need to be relocated, as certain lots and garages require you to move it before 6 a.m. on game days. However, if you plan to drive your car to campus, follow Transportation Services’ game day parking guidelines and review their Football Fan Guide for more information regarding parking specifics.

If a car is not an option for you, or you would like to avoid parking jams, Texas A&M does offer a free shuttle service to and from campus.

Extra tips for a smooth experience:

Stay hydrated. You can bring one sealed bottle of water up to one gallon in size. Pro tip: freeze it so you can use it as an icepack. There are also cool zones and a hydration station within the stadium if you get overheated.

Bring a clear bag. Like most big venues, clear bags are required if you want to take a bag into the stadium. You want to avoid being turned away at the gate or having to throw stuff away to be able to attend the game.

Make a Plan. Cell service in and around the field can be challenging on gameday. You might not be able to communicate as quickly as you normally do. Plan with your group before and after the game. What is your plan before kickoff? What is the meet-up spot if you get separated and can’t get ahold of the group?

Have fun! This experience should be tailored to you. Participate in the yells and make the most of the experience, but feel free to leave if an issue arises.

Creating Community During Your First Year

August 20, 2024 by mariahp

Welcome to Texas A&M University! You're here, have moved in, and read your syllabi (right?); now what? We recommend you begin building a community for yourself. Call it a community, a friend group, or a support system; they all serve the same purpose: to enhance your college experience and provide emotional support and comfort. These connections you cultivate will not only be your support system but can also grow into life-long connections you can call upon.

You can lean on your friends for advice and resources during your academic journey as you share a common experience. This group will help to curb those feelings of loneliness and homesickness. Although they may not have set in yet, it is only a matter of time for most! Below, we have listed five tips on how you can start building your community.

Embrace the experience!

Everyone around you is experiencing this at the same time you are. As a new Aggie, you and your classmates are all searching for friends and familiar faces. Attend campus events, join clubs, and participate in class discussions. You make the experience, so make the most of it!

Start small.

Don't feel like you need to dive headfirst into a large group. Begin with conversations in class, study groups, roommates, or the dining hall. Over time, small chats can transform into deeper connections.

Find those with common interests.

Join clubs or organizations related to your interests! This is a great way to meet like-minded people in college. Texas A&M has over 1,300 recognized student organizations that cover a variety of interests. There is an activity for everyone at Texas A&M; you just have to search for what you are interested in.

It takes time.

Building connections takes time. Be patient with yourself and others, and it's okay if you don't click with everyone you meet immediately. Friendships develop over time as you grow and share experiences.

Be kind to yourself!

Starting college involves many significant changes, and it's natural to feel anxious as you navigate the transition. Celebrate the small victories and remember that each step forward is progress. If you find yourself struggling, reach out for help, whether to a friend or a resource on campus.