Overview of Homesickness
Homesickness is "experiencing a longing for one’s home during a period of absence from it" (oxforddictionaries.com). Homesickness is a common experience that many students may feel when they first arrive at UC Davis. Being away from the comfort of home and having to adjust to differences between your old and new environments can often lead to feeling nostalgic for familiarity, longing for and preoccupation with home.
Signs You are Struggling with Homesickness
Homesickness happens for everybody, but the degree or severity can be very different. Since leaving home is a common experience for many people as they go off to college, it is important to notice if your homesickness is getting in the way of your normal routine and impacting your ability to function at your best.
Signs include: uncontrollable or frequent crying, withdrawing from friends and/or social activities, constant thoughts about home or the comforts of home, and physical symptoms such as headaches or stomachaches.
Feeling homesick can be one of the struggles that international students face. Learn more about adjusting as an international student by reading our health topic on International Students.
What Can Be Done
Understand that feeling homesick is normal and very common, and that there are a lot of things you can do to help you to feel better when homesickness bothers you.
Recognize the signs that you are struggling with homesickness. Call or video chat with friends or family back home. Cook or eat comforting food from home. Get involved in the new area, meet new people, and seek the support of trusted new friends.
How We Can Help
SHCS provides acute care, drop-in services, brief individual therapy, group therapy, and referrals for on-going therapy.
You can schedule an intake with a counselor at North Hall by calling (530) 752-2349. Urgent Care drop-in services are available on the first floor of the Student Health and Wellness Center.