Dealing with homesickness without actually going home

As a college freshman you are almost certain to come down with the worst case of homesickness you've ever contracted. Though some students will have had experience with boarding schools, for most freshman it's the very first time living away from home. And while you may not miss your parents all that much (or, okay, maybe you do a whole lot), you'll certainly be missing your friends. All those vibrant memories of high school bonding and companionship are hard to let go of, and the temptation to jump on a bus home come Friday evening will be strong.

But there is no more important time to ignore that impulse than your freshman year, and especially your first term. It's during these months that you'll begin making the connections that will carry you through college, socially and academically, and you don't want to trade that for a brief dose of your hometown or trip to a high school buddy's university.

Tips for college students range from scholarship opportunities to party ideas - but among the most important might be those helping with homesickness. Consider some of these quick-fix homesickness remedies, so you can get out there on campus and start having the best four years of your life.

1. Trade mixes with high school friends. Nothing stirs memory quite like music, and nothing makes you feel less alone at college than getting a package from an old friend. Start up a CD mix exchange with a group of high school buddies. Although it's much easier to trade music online, it doesn't compare to finding some in your mailbox.

2. Have a parent send along town newspaper clippings. This age-old tip has been keeping students free of homesickness for generations. A little hometown news will sate those homesickness pains while probably also reminding you how lucky you are to have left!

3. Talk to a counselor. Whatever you're dealing with, you won't be alone. Many college freshmen speak to campus counselors during their first months. Don't hesitate to take the same opportunity.

4. Go for a drive, walk or  jog locally. For better or worse, your campus is becoming your new home. Getting to know it better and making it your own is one of the best steps you can take toward curing homesickness. It sounds trite, but you can't miss a home once you're there.

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