Leonette Lee, is the Counselor in Residence in the Office of Residential Life and Housing. Her office is located in Room 209B of the Goodwin Residence Hall.
Moving away from home is never easy. You, literally, are physically transitioning from the known to the unknown. Going to college builds excitement and emotions about this new form of independence. At the same time, you may be trying to maintain your cool to deal with feelings of anxiety. Whether you loved or loathed life before NSU, you may be trying to recreate yourself for NSU to be the ultimate collegiate experience. But, you are now here and not close, or remotely close, to the most familiar and comforting place, aka home. Let’s talk about the reality and universal experience for many of being homesick.
Homesickness, although self-defining, can be described in many ways. Homesickness may cause one to experience anxiety, sadness and nervousness and to be preoccupied with thoughts of home. Thus, the term homesickness, the bad and discomforting feelings in response to being away from home, sets in. It is natural and OK to experience whatever emotions surface during this time of transition.
However, you can choose to fight this discomfort by creating your own comfort. In other words, explore and write down what you miss or have at home that is not here and may be needed here at NSU. This is not to say that what is missed from home can be replaced. Rather, you can create an extension of home here at NSU and in South Florida by reflecting on your purpose for attending NSU.
When I began college, I was so homesick that I considered leaving the prestigious institution I was attending. I constantly compared the city my school was in to the city where I am from, the people, the food, city events, etc. I found something wrong with everything. I was not being fair to the school or myself. Of course, I did not realize this at the time. After venting with my strongest supporter, I was challenged. My loved one put me on the spot and said, “You can come home, but I would hope that you would not come home until you exhaust all of your energy in getting involved and giving the school and city a chance to impress you.”
I realized I had not exhausted any energy in trying to make myself more comfortable and had not been as involved as I could have been. I was waiting on moments (whatever I considered fun) and people to come to me, instead of creating moments and going to people. Also, I realized I could always visit home and would be going home for every holiday. So home was never lost or an unreachable place.
I guarantee, although your emotions and feelings are unique to you, many students can attest to feeling homesick. You do not have to journey through homesickness alone. NSU is a diverse institution with countless resources. No student has to become cemented in the discomfort of being homesick. Whether through your academic department or the Division of Student Affairs, the offices of Residential Life and Housing, Student Activities, or Undergraduate Student Success, someone can help you create the connections and support you feel are necessary to help ease the transition from going from the known to the unknown. The Henderson Student Counseling Center is also an excellent resource for students with any concerns. If you have any concerns or feelings adjusting to NSU life, relationships, illness, financial concerns, disappointments, etc. someone is here to help. I believe in you and wish you success beyond your expectations.
