Homesickness is real… in many forms. Sometimes you miss people, places, or things that just make you smile, but regardless, missing aspects of home can keep you from doing your best in college. So if you can go home to refuel your mental health, take advantage of it. However, after going home this past weekend, I have learned to keep some things in mind if heading home isn’t urgent (but still desired of course):
- Plan around your current schedule
- Don’t skip classes if you don’t have to come home early, that is more work to make up for later.
- Don’t go home if you have a test coming up or homework to do. You think you will have the willpower and time to study, but in most cases, you won’t. Keep this in mind.
- Do plan your time home early, and don’t push it off for other things or else you will never find time to go happy.
- Do tell people you plan on coming home. It will hold you accountable, people can make plans to see you while you are home, and others can make sure you travel safely.
- Enjoy your time away from campus
- Don’t dwell on school and staying in touch with people back on campus. You will see them soon, so spend time with the people you are 5-minutes away from and haven’t seen in a while.
- Do rest up. Traveling far can take a toll on you, so rest up to make sure you feel good for the rest of your time at home and make it a good experience.
- Take a bit of home back with you
- Don’t take something you didn’t plan ahead for.
- Do take something small and easy. I like taking a little bit of my mom’s cooking and baking back to campus to remind me of home and share with friends.
- Make the most of time with those you want to see
- Don’t spread yourself thin with time by spending one-on-one time with absolutely everyone you know. You will be tired and stressed with no time for yourself.
- Do invite those you care about to spend time as a group with you. People will be happy you are home, so invite everyone over for a board game to catch up. It is an easy bonding experience that lets everyone feel like they spent quality time with you while you were home.