While this might not be your student’s first time away from home, they might still experience homesickness.. Offering validation, connection, and reassurance can help your student feel less stressed about their distance from home.
The Signs of Homesickness
Homesickness doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it can manifest in different ways. It’s important to not only listen to what your student says, but to also pay attention to changes in their character. Here are some signs you might want to look for:
- Irritability or moodiness
- Feeling lonely
- Lack of motivation or energy
- Trouble sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Losing appetite (or craving comfort foods)
To tell that these changes indicate homesickness and not something else, notice if they appear after your student leaves home. Or, talk to your student about their symptoms to understand if they are related to their homesickness.
Supporting Your Student
During this time, it’s important to offer your student validation.
Normalize it.
Everyone gets homesick. Let your student know that what they’re feeling is normal.
Listen.
Give your student the space to talk to you about what they’re feeling. Try not to be in a rush to offer solutions. Your student might feel better just by getting some things off their chest.
Try not to minimize.
Offering your student advice like “you’ll get over it” or “stay busy and you’ll be fine” might leave them feeling unvalidated. Try offering solutions that help your student overcome homesickness without minimizing their feelings. Perhaps encourage them to join a club or schedule time to hang out with friends.
Staying Connected
Connecting with your student throughout the week can make them feel closer to home.
Build a routine.
Your student may find comfort in knowing that you’ll communicate with them at a certain time. Maybe dedicate Sunday mornings for a long chat. Perhaps every night you FaceTime. Your student can look forward to this time and it gives you a chance to see how they’re feeling.
Send “homely” reminders.
Sending your student pictures of pets or things around your neighborhood can easily make them feel more connected to you and their home.
Care packages.
This is a great way to bring a slice of home right to your student’s door, especially if they live far away. Fill a box with homemade food, framed photos, and other things you think your student will love.
Visit them.
Remind your student when you’ll see each other again. Consider taking an extra visit to Carolina to see your student in person if you can. Visiting them, rather than having them come home, can help your student feel supported and connected without changing their location back to their comfort zone.
Takeaways
Homesickness is normal, and something all students may experience at some point. When your student experiences homesickness, your support, validation, and encouragement can help your student overcome their homesickness.