For many college students, moving away from home can be an exciting experience. For others, leaving family, friends, and familiar routines can feel like an uphill battle. The change in environment can be shocking at first, with new classes, new faces, and busy schedules, making it easy to feel like you are just going through the motions. What you might not realize in the moment, however, is that this transition is slowly helping you grow into a new version of yourself.
College comes with many new challenges, and SNU does a great job at keeping students involved within the community to make your experience feel as close to home as possible. However, the transition takes time, so giving yourself grace and being patient is really important. Start with what you have control over, even something as small as decorating your dorm room. Creating a homey feel turns your room into a safe space not only for yourself, but also for studying or hanging out with friends.
Joining communities around campus is another great way to get involved and find people who share your interests. Austyn Knight, a sophomore at SNU explained, “I joined SALT and immediately was welcomed in, and found so many new friends who wanted to build friendships and it felt so refreshing having people to go to and who care about you”.
Athletics are another amazing way to find community, whether it is a sport you were recruited for or something new you want to try. When recruited to play a sport, it is often easier to find your people, as you both are at school for the same reason. Esther Santos, a junior golfer at SNU expressed, “I truly felt like I belonged here once I spent time with my friends and the Golf team! Once I got to the routine of college I really loved it”.
Being homesick is still a real struggle in college, but if you don’t allow yourself to have fun and participate in activities, you are holding yourself back. Knight shared, “My advice is to go to every event, or as many as possible, and meet new people! I didn’t realize how much friends mean to me to make a place so far from home feel like home.”
Similar to Knight, Santos advised, “To anyone who is feeling homesick, my biggest piece of advice would be to branch out. Go out to get coffee with someone, go play sand volleyball, go to the events. It will truly make a difference.”
Although homesickness can make the transition to college difficult, it also teaches students the importance of finding comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging in a new environment.
Photos provided by: SNU Creative