Timeline of essential dates
Links to cheap school books
*DON’T BUY BOOKS UNTIL YOUR FIRST WEEK OF CLASSES! Some professors don’t always require a book so wait to find out to avoid wasted money*
http://www.cheapesttextbooks.com
[Dont forget to check your school bookstore, they could have cheaper books or cheaper early editions]
Homesickness tips
1. Understand that what you’re going through is normal
The most important step in overcoming homesickness is realizing that there isn’t anything wrong with you.
Acknowledging and accepting your homesickness is a way of learning how to live a new life, from starting college all the way to moving to a new city for a job. Once you know you’re homesick, you can start working towards getting over it.
2. Get used to your new surroundings
A big part of feeling homesick is feeling uncomfortable with the unfamiliar. Get more familiar with your college’s campus and the surrounding area by walking around and exploring, either alone or with friends. Scope out secret study spots for when you get tired of the library, cool little cafes to grab lunch in when you’re running late and quiet spots to clear your head. The more you feel like your campus “belongs” to you, the more comfortable you’ll feel at college.
3. Make a space for yourself at school
Homesickness often occurs during freshman year because you feel uncomfortable and out of place in your new surroundings. You long for home because at home, you’re sure of yourself and how you fit into the world around you. The discomfort of not knowing everything and everyone around you can catch you off guard at college, but actively working at getting comfortable and developing a routine for yourself can curb your homesick feelings.
There are a number of different ways you can occupy your time to build a routine and stop feeling lonely. Look into volunteering opportunities on campus, campus politics, intramural sports and Greek life (some schools have two rushing seasons or continuous open bid, so you can join a sorority at multiple points in the year). Filling up your social calendar and hanging out with people who have similar interests as you will help you feel less lonely and help you make new friends!
4. Stay connected with home—but not too connected
Maintaining your relationships with your family and friends back home is important in helping you miss them less, but according to Dr. Klapow, part of getting over homesickness is severing emotional ties from home.
5. Talk to other students (or professionals) on campus
It’s easy to feel alone when you’re homesick, but other freshmen are probably feeling the same way you are. Try talking to your friends or new people you’ve met about it. Opening up to your new friends about homesickness can be awkward, so if you’re uncomfortable, try approaching them from a different angle. Mentioning that you’re looking for ways to keep yourself occupied or asking for suggestions for cool clubs and on-campus opportunities can help you get over your homesickness by focusing on ways to stop yourself from dwelling on it. Reaching out to your friends can help you form a new camaraderie and fight your bouts of homesickness together.
Some campuses also have support groups for freshmen or freshman transitioning programs, so be sure to look into opportunities like that at your college. Talking to other people who are going through the same things as you can help, and you may even strike up a friendship with some people you meet.
6. Stay positive. It will get better!
Don’t let your homesickness consume you. Moving away from home, starting a new life and adjusting to college classes isn’t easy, but it gets easier! You’ve overcome difficult times before and starting college is no different.