Homesickness is normal—here’s how to deal with it

Discover why homesickness happens and ways to deal with it.

You packed your bags and moved into a whole new environment. New campus, new classes, new friends—it’s exciting! Like in the movies, when the main character moves away for a fresh start and a hype song plays in the background.

But as the days pass by, you slowly start missing the late-night cravings for your hometown takeout spot, the comfort of your own bed, the familiar voices or the way your pet greeted you at the door, you miss it all. Then it hits you: you’re homesick.

The truth? You’re not alone. Almost every student experiences homesickness at some point, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.

Why does homesickness happen?

A animation of a yellow square character sitting at a empty restaurant booth with a steaming drink on the table — *Via GIPHY*

Homesickness usually kicks in once the “honeymoon” phase of moving away wears off, when you’re learning to juggle between your classes, work and social life, all without your support system from back home. Everything can feel overwhelming and exhausting, making you feel like you just want to move back.

Don’t worry, it’s not a weakness—it’s simply your mind adjusting to the change of environment. It’s actually a sign that you are building resilience. With new schedules and routines, it can take time for it to feel natural, especially when it’s in an environment that you are not familiar with.

Build your new home

A woman dancing and saying, "It's time to decorate!" — *Via GIPHY*

One way to deal with homesickness is by building your new home. Your new space matters more than you think. Transforming an unfamiliar space into your own sanctuary can boost your mood and help you emotionally adjust to the change.

Personalize your room with familiar decor. You can add comfy blankets, arrange the furniture, create spaces for your hobbies, add comfort items from back home, put up pictures of your loved ones and you can never go wrong with a nice scented candle to cozy up the room. These little habits can help create stability and slowly make your environment feel more familiar.

And when you want to recharge outside your room, IGNITE’s Sleep Lounge at the North campus or the Zen Zone at Lakeshore are perfect options for when you want to colour or just sit in peace.

Be patient with yourself

A animation of a heart hugging itself with the caption reading, "Take time for yourself and recharge" — *Via GIPHY*

Homesickness feels heavy, but it doesn’t have to control you. Let yourself feel the emotions instead of bottling them up. Cry if you need to, write it out in a journal or talk about it with a friend who gets it.

Journaling what you feel can help you visualize and organize your thoughts without making you feel overwhelmed. Journaling doesn’t always have to be writing about sad feelings. You can also write down your wins: Made a new friend? Discovered a new favourite study spot? These little moments are steps toward settling in.

Homesickness can feel heavier when you are drained. Exercise in almost any form can act as a stress reliever. Being active and getting good rest can instantly boost your mood and distract you from daily worries.

If you’re looking for tools, try Rhea Health, a mental and physical health app. It offers resources for easy exercises, meditation and journaling prompts to help you process your thoughts. The biggest thing to remember is that the growth you get from pushing through lasts forever.

IGNITE is giving away free memberships for the first 500 students who sign up. Don’t miss out!

Stay connected

A man on a video call saying, "Wassuuuuup!" — *Via GIPHY*

Processing homesickness doesn’t mean avoiding connections from home. In fact, it’s the opposite. Staying connected in small ways can help you balance emotions big time.

Set up weekly FaceTimes, host Netflix watch parties to catch up on the latest shows and movies, share your new adventure stories and maybe even start a tradition of sending a silly meme every day.

Get involved with your campus

A woman excitedly saying, "New friends!" — *Via GIPHY*

Adjusting isn’t instant. It’s a slow process of experience. And the more you experience, the more “home” your campus will feel.

One of the best solutions for homesickness is connection. Get yourself busy, and not just with school or work, try out new activities and make time for fun. Join a club, check out IGNITE pop-ups and campus events. Use these opportunities to meet people who have the same interests as you.

Being involved on campus can help beyond the professional benefits. It also helps with making long-lasting friendships, reducing stress and making the most out of your post-secondary experience.

You are not alone!

two cartoon characters, a tiger and a donkey, hugging — *Via GIPHY*

Homesickness is part of every new change. It’s an experience shared by almost everyone going through a major transition. Is it uncomfortable? Yes, but it’s also a shared experience with every student who has moved away. Be patient with yourself, take breaks when you need them and lean on campus resources.

Remember: The feeling won’t last forever, with time and effort, the unfamiliar will become familiar—you got this!

Feature Image courtesy of Krismas via Unsplash.

Wonder how to keep your long-distance friendship alive? Check out your guide for long-distance friendships!