How to Adjust to Living Away from Home

To help you get the best head start, this post will offer tips on tackling the most common hardships such as homesickness, mental health and loneliness. You can review a guide on supporting mental health in college students, which is often needed during major transitions like the first time living away from home. Whether you're on or off campus, you still need to feel like you have somewhere to turn to when you need help.

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Accept the Natural Homesickness

The adjustment period for college students is not one night. You can go weeks without feeling happy in your new space. Getting used to college life can take three to four weeks and during that time, it's normal to miss your parents, your old room and even wish you were still back in high school. When you move away for the first time, especially to live on campus, a lot of responsibility is thrust on you at once. Between managing a schedule, coursework and trying to make friends, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and yearn for simpler times.

Recognize the Signs of Adjustment Disorder

Adjustment disorders are common in response to major changes that raise stress levels. Traumas can trigger these disorders, but positive life events can result in them too. Usually, these resolve on their own as you get more comfortable with the new way of life. But if you find yourself struggling with these symptoms with little reprieve, it can be helpful to speak to your campus counselor or a therapist.

1. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
2. Frequently crying.
3. Feeling sad, down or hopeless throughout the day.
4. Finding it hard to enjoy things you used to or get excited about new things.
5. Avoiding responsibilities.
6. Thoughts about self-harm or suicide.

If you ever contemplate hurting yourself or ending your life, do not hesitate to reach out. It is not a sign of weakness or personal failure. Millions of people cope with the same horrible feelings, and they can get better. You can call 911 if you need immediate help, or you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.

Start Socializing

You may be tempted to go to class and immediately rush back to your dorm, but don't make this a habit. It can be uncomfortable trying to meet new people at first, but you'll be glad you did later. Look for opportunities to meet others, like clubs and groups. These give you automatic icebreakers with other students you have things in common with. Friendship will make you feel more included on campus. Instead of relying on high school friends through text and social media, make some room to get to know people you can hang out with in real life too.

Reach Out to Someone

You can talk to your RA, college counselor or a licensed therapist about how you're feeling. Apps like TalkSpace and BetterHelp make it easy for you to access a therapist from your phone. Adapting to college life takes time, and you may just need someone to listen and support you as you work through the challenges. If you feel like you need help, don't talk yourself out of it. Do what you need to take care of yourself.

Marvin Fry

Update 16 July 2021