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Finding Comfort and Joy: Overcoming Homesickness

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Two students walking and chatting to each other while eating ice cream.

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. 

Back to Campus: Thriving After the Break!

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Two girls smiling and giving a "Gig 'em" thumbs up in front of the Academic Building holding a chalkboard that reads "First Day of Class Spring 2025."

By Ryn Olivarez

Returning to school after any extended break can be a challenge. After weeks away, jumping straight back into education mode might feel overwhelming. Here’s what you can expect your first few weeks back and some strategies to help you navigate potential challenges.

What to Expect:

  • Stronger course load. You may have taken on fewer hours in the fall to start the year off at a manageable pace. If this is the case for you, and your upcoming term’s schedule is heavier than before, the increased course load may seem daunting; that’s normal!
  • More independence. Whether this is your first or second semester at Texas A&M, you will start to experience more independence. This could be that you need less guidance from advisors, or maybe your previous study groups have separated into their own majors. Remember that as your independence grows, it doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Pair your newfound capabilities with the tools and resources available to you to make yourself unstoppable this semester and beyond. 
  • Post-holiday blues. Winter break is a great time to decompress after a hectic semester and finals, but being away for a month makes it difficult to get back into the swing of the semester. It can be hard to leave the comfort and familiarity of your home and readjust to being a student again.

Winning Approaches:

  • Time management and organization. The best way to handle the overwhelming load of the semester is to manage your time and stay organized. There are many great tools for keeping track of your assignments and to-do items such as the Navigate app or a calendar app! 
  • Take things slow and set goals. If your calendar looks overwhelming, tackle it one task at a time. Create small, achievable goals, and remember that not everything has to be done at once. Pairing this approach with organization will make it easier to manage the new semester. 
  •  Don’t forget to connect with your professors. Even if you are comfortable with the material, getting to know your professor is essential. You never know when having that connection will come in handy. Connect after class or drop by their office hours.

Not all of these points may apply to you, but the most important thing to remember is to take time for yourself. It’s normal to feel out of place after winter break and to crave security. Allow yourself time to readjust to your surroundings and get back into the groove of college life. 

Chill Vibes Only: How to Handle Roommate Conflicts Like a Pro

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Three girls posing in front of the large Aggie Ring replica.

When living with others, conflict is bound to arise. Whether they leave dishes in the sink or you listen to music too loud, inevitably, disagreements will arise. Knowing how to deal with it is the key to ensuring a healthy and long-lasting roommate relationship.

Do

Communicate: Communication is one of the most important tools in any relationship, but it becomes essential when you share a space with someone. Usually, when an argument with a friend occurs, you can step away from the situation. However, you come home to it when it comes to roommate conflicts. Respectfully voice your concerns, and do so with the intent to fix, not to scold. 

Create a plan: After the issue at hand has been communicated, create a plan to resolve it and ensure it doesn’t happen again. Set boundaries and outline expectations to ensure everyone is on the same page.

Don’ts

  • Shared friends? Avoid speaking to them about your issues. If you need to rant, talk to someone outside of the situation.
  • Never bottle things up. It’s easier to talk with someone about a recent issue than to let it fester and build to the point of anger.
  • Be careful when communicating over text. Texts can easily be misinterpreted due to loss of nonverbal signals and tone. Be sure to be clear or wait to have the conversation face-to-face.

If it’s gotten to a point where conversations have been had, and the issue still hasn’t been resolved, you can make an appointment with Student Life for more support. 

  • Lease and contract issues
  • Not paying rent or utilities
  • Roommate Contracts

Living with people will always have its challenges. Knowing how to navigate them on your own is important, but it’s also perfectly okay to ask for help. Student Life is here to support you!

 

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