First Year Homesickness? Here's How to Cope

New place, new faces, what's a student to do? Our top 4 tips for beating the homesick blues.

If you're in the process of settling into a new school in a new place, you might feel overwhelmed, confused, scared, lonely (or all of the above!). When I was in first year in a town I didn't know, at a school where I didn't have many friends, I felt all those things. As much as you may be ready to spread your wings and start your next chapter, there are always mixed emotions.

Here are my top four tips to help you settle into your first year.

Make Your Room Your 'Home'

This is one of the best things you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Add personal touches to your space, like posters, pictures, comfy pillows, blankets and whatever makes you feel safe at home. In all the chaos of frosh events and social time, I loved being able to come home to a place with all my favourite things.

It's Okay to Be Reserved

We hear so much about getting out there and making friends, but the reality is, sometimes you need time to warm up to people. If you're living in residence, you're surrounded by tons of new students of all descriptions. While you should definitely try to make a friend or two, don't feel pressured to attend event after event if you're just not feeling it. It's okay if you don't want to drink or go to every party. Do what you're comfortable with. Over time you'll find people you click with.

Go to Your First Classes

There's lots to be gained from going to your first classes. Not only will you get into the routine of heading to class on time, you'll get to know your instructors right away — as well as the students you'll be in class with! You're likely to develop relationships with the people in your classes (especially your mandatory core courses), as you'll probably see them around campus or even get paired up with them for group projects. You may as well learn their names early!

Get Into a Routine

Finding a routine is essential in developing a better sense of comfort and belonging, especially in a new place. In your first few weeks, develop habits to get you settled. Figure out when your classes are, and when you are going to squeeze in exercise, eating, and social time. Once you develop a consistent plan for your week, you'll get more comfortable with your own of doing things. You probably won't even notice your homesickness slowly fade away.

Before you know it, you'll be into the swing of things and loving it! But my best advice? Don't feel the need to have it all figured out right away. Really getting to know a place and developing your comfort takes time. Be open and forgiving with yourself, and remember: home is where you make it.