Is it ok to go home?

UCLAalumPro
Sun, 06 Sep 2015 18:09:43 +0000

Here’s a little secret.

Many new students who will be starting college will probably be feeling just like you. But they probably won’t admit it publically.

“Homesickness stems from our instinctive need for love, protection and security - feelings and qualities usually associated with home,” said Josh Klapow, a clinical psychologist and associate professor at the University of Alabama.

“You’re not literally just missing your house. You’re missing what’s normal, what is routine, the larger sense of social space, because those are the things that help us survive,” Klapow says. "[Students] think something’s terribly wrong. But it’s normal and adaptive to feel homesick for some period of time. It’s just your emotions and mind telling you you’re out of your element.”

Echoing what many posters have alluded to, give it some time, and take in their advice.

Studies have shown that generally by the end of 6 months, most students have adjusted and phased away from the feelings of homesickness.

It is normal to feel what you are going through, so try not to feel worried, embarrassed or ashamed. Take things one day at a time, one step at a time.