The start of college is filled with the excitement of independence and new experiences. But for many students, especially in the first few weeks of the semester, it can also bring an unexpected challenge: homesickness.

“Homesickness is a common and normal emotional reaction to living in a new place apart from familiar people and surroundings,” says Afton Kapuscinski, associate teaching professor of psychology in the College of Arts and Sciences. “People who relocate often experience some sadness and longing for home that can be distracting.”

Carrie Brown, counseling director at the Barnes Center at The Arch, adds that homesickness can show up in more ways than just missing home. “It can present with emotional, cognitive, behavioral and even physical symptoms,” she says. “These may include sadness, loneliness, anxiety, irritability, feeling isolated, being easily tearful or becoming preoccupied with home and familiar routines.”

Brown says that some students may find it difficult to concentrate or make decisions, and they may withdraw socially. Physical symptoms can include headaches, stomachaches, fatigue or changes in appetite and sleep patterns.

Coping Strategies

There are many ways to ease the transition and feel more at home on campus.

Brown recommends starting by normalizing the experience. “Homesickness is very common, usually temporary, and often a natural part of adjusting to a new environment,” she says.

Here are a few strategies to help:

• Create a sense of home: Establish comforting routines, like a morning ritual.
• Build new connections: Join a club, attend campus events or find peers who are also adjusting.
• Take care of your body: Prioritize sleep, nutrition and exercise.
• Explore your surroundings: Familiarize yourself with campus and the local community while creating positive associations.
• Stay connected with home: Keep in touch with loved ones but set healthy limits to stay present in your new environment.
• Set realistic expectations: Remember that adjustment takes time. Feeling fully settled doesn’t typically happen overnight.

“The Barnes Center can support students in many of these strategies,” Brown says. “Joining fitness classes or intramural sports, taking part in outdoor adventure trips, working with dietitians on nutrition and connecting with providers to improve sleep.”

Students can also manage stress at the MindSpa, relax through Pet Therapy or, if symptoms remain disruptive, consider joining group therapy or participating in individual therapy.

Supporting Students

Faculty and staff can play an important role in helping students who may be struggling. “This begins with noticing warning signs such as frequent absences, withdrawal from peers, or expressions of loneliness, anxiety or isolation,” Brown says. “Checking in with students in a caring, nonjudgmental way, listening actively and validating their feelings can make a meaningful difference.”

“Any of us can open a conversation with a student who seems anxious or encourage students to attend activities that provide a welcome distraction and sense of community,” Kapuscinski says. “Likewise, willingness to normalize adjustment distress by discussing our own experiences can be a powerful way to connect.”

When to Seek Help

Though homesickness is usually temporary, it’s important to recognize when it might be part of a deeper mental health issue. Brown and Kapuscinski say that symptoms tied to homesickness typically improve as students adjust and build connections. But if distress is severe, persistent or interferes with daily functioning, such as missing classes, isolating from others or experiencing hopelessness, it may be time to seek help.

Individual counseling appointments at the Barnes Center, including same day appointments, may be made virtually on the Patient Portal or by calling 315.443.8000. Group Counseling is also available, offering a wide range of themes.

Syracuse University students experiencing a mental health crisis, seeking support for sexual assault or relationship violence, or needing urgent medical consultation can receive free confidential services 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 315. 443.8000. Please note, routine consultations should hold until the next business day.