How to Deal With Being Away from Parents in College

How to deal with being away from parents in college is a typical struggle for freshmen. So if you’re feeling a little queasy about heading off to school, you’re not alone. Recent surveys reveal that up to 70 percent of incoming students experience some form of homesickness.

So please remember these two big things as summer morphs into fall and the first day of classes draws near: 1) Homesickness is completely normal. 2) It will fade away.

In this blog, we’ll share some strategies for how you can cope with homesickness and enjoy all that your new home has to offer.

Why It’s Hard to Be Away From Parents

The first week for freshmen is as close as it gets to total madness. Depending on the school, there are hundreds, even thousands, of new students who are away from parents and out of their depth.

As soon as you wave your last goodbye and your family’s car pulls away, there’s a strange sensation: hope mixed with a lot of fear. That safety net your parents bring is gone, and now you’re stepping out into a world where you get to make the decisions. That can be daunting. Here’s how you can deal with those feelings:

Coping Strategies – A Guide For The Homesick

Keep and Make Connections: Staying in touch with family is necessary to ward off feelings of homesickness. At the same time, the best part about being a college freshman is that everyone is looking to make new friends as much as you are. Connecting with your roommate(s), joining clubs, or talking to a resident assistant are all great options.
Create a Daily Routine: Establishing a new normal is essential to keep yourself focused, and during tough times it can be a great fallback. Even if it’s as simple as waking up and going to sleep at the same time, any small routine can be a big help.
Practice Self-Compassion: Homesickness is a natural feeling to have after moving away, so don’t beat yourself up if you’re experiencing it. Instead, acknowledge your feelings without shame or judgment. Keep in mind that college is a beautiful opportunity to meet new people and create a new life — even if you miss your home.

A plane wing with rolling mountains in the background

Things to Avoid

Excessive Isolation: It’s easy to shut yourself off from an unfamiliar world. Your dorm and bed may look so comfortable after a long first week of classes, but resist that temptation and hit the big weekend event or go out with new friends. It’ll be worth it.
Over-reliance on Parents: You will be tempted to rely on your parents for everything those first few weeks. Remember that college is all about coming into your own. Keep in touch with your parents but don’t go overboard looking for their direction.
Ignoring Mental Health Symptoms: The first few months of college are emotionally and physically exhausting. There’s no way around that. If things begin to feel like too much and drain you, make sure those feelings are addressed.

Where to Seek Support

Campus Counseling: All colleges and universities offer in-house counseling, so take advantage of that resource. It’s usually offered for free or at a low price.
Hotlines & Support Groups: Outside of your college’s resources, there are many hotlines and support groups that could help with processing your feelings. Some online course providers offer support as well. If you’re looking to study online, Portage Learning has a Facebook group that helps not only with peer academic concerns, but it’s also a place to connect with fellow students.
Student Success Team & Academic Coaching: If you are struggling academically, colleges have teams of tutors and coaches who can help with time management, accountability, or scheduling.

While it comes with many trials and hardships, the college journey is ultimately about self- discovery and self-growth. No matter how homesickness manifests itself as you move into this next chapter, with a little time and the right strategies, it can be cured.

Looking for Ways to Stay Home and Pursue Education?

If you are struggling with the idea of being away from parents as you pursue higher education, Portage Learning offers self-directed, online college courses you can take any time, from anywhere. Our courses transfer credits to more than 4,000 programs across the nation. After registering for a Portage Learning course, you have six months to start it, and then one year to complete the course once you’ve begun. Check out Portage Learning's online courses here.

Still looking for answers?

Check out the FAQs about this article below.

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

Is it Normal to Feel Homesick when Starting College?

Yes! Feeling homesick is one of the most common emotions college freshmen have, so never feel like you are alone in feeling that way. It is a natural way to respond to being in a new environment, but eventually over time those feelings will fade away.

What are Some of the Best Ways to Cope with Being Away From Parents in College?

There are many ways to cope with being away from your parents while you're at school. Make sure you stay in contact with your family by calling or video chatting with them. It can also help to stay distracted. Get involved on campus, join a club, or say hello to someone who lives in your dorm.

Can I get any Mental Health Support in College?

Of course! College is a big change, and it is important that you get the mental health support you need. Most colleges have free or pretty low cost therapy/counseling services for students.There are also hotlines, support groups, and student service teams available to help. If you are feeling overwhelmed, please seek mental health support.

What if I am not Ready to Move to College?

That is totally ok! If you are not ready to move, there is always an option to take classes online. Portage Learning offers self-directed, online college courses you can take from anytime, anywhere. Check out Portage Learning Online Courses here.