Adjustment & Homesickness
For many students, especially in their first year at BU, being away from home for an extended period of time may be a new experience that can bring up feelings of excitement, nostalgia, anxiety, sadness, grief, or irritability. The following tips can help you navigate periods of change and transition.
Remind yourself that it takes time
Making friends, building community, and getting used to new obligations takes time. Having expectations that you “should” feel adjusted can make the transition more difficult. Acknowledge your feelings, avoid comparing yourself to others, and remember that you’re not alone in feeling them.
Try new things, meet new people
Building a social circle can improve your sense of belonging and feeling of “home away from home.” Reach out to others for support, challenge yourself to talk to someone new each week, or seek resources that make space to socialize on campus.
Practice Self-Care
Adjusting to change can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Go back to the basics by taking care of your body and mind with these steps:
- Get regular sleep
- Eat nutritious meals
- Get some exercise
- Avoid using substances to cope with uncomfortable feelings
Let others know how you’re feeling
Need a listening ear? Connect with our
All Ears program to talk with a student who gets it, and can help you find a way forward.
Connect to your sense of home
It’s normal to miss things about your old routine. One way to cope is to bring something from home into your new environment—like a memento, a picture, or a routine.
Reframe this as a growing experience
Adapting to a new place comes with the opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, learn from others, and gain new skills. Over time, this can be liberating and energizing!
- Schedule specific times to talk with family so that the rest of your time can be spent focusing on your new environment.
- Avoid rushing into any major decisions straight away about returning home or staying.
- Write down all the positive things about being away from home.
- Remind yourself of all the reasons why you chose to leave home and possible experiences ahead.
Find milestones in the semester
Identify the milestones and break-points in the semester with a calendar or planner. You can mark planned visits home, upcoming holidays, and other events that tie you to home.