If you are like most new students, you have spent the past several months anxiously anticipating your arrival here at The University of Findlay. From the handpicked furnishings for your dorm room to your class schedule, everything has been precisely planned and expected. But for some, one thing that you may not have planned for and expected is a sense of homesickness and loneliness.

Well, rest easy and take a deep breath. Realize that you are not the only one feeling homesick and in no way do these feelings indicate that you aren't up to the challenges before you. In fact, most new college students find themselves missing the familiarity of home and friends in the first days and weeks on campus. This is completely normal and passes usually in the first semester and in most cases within 4-6 weeks.

Check out these tips for coping with homesickness:

• Acknowledge your feelings and accept that the uneasiness may be related to being homesick. Believe they will pass. They most always do.
• Call home (if you can) more often for a while and share the fact you miss your family, room, old friends, the family pet, etc.
• Don't try to bury the feelings. Don't drink more, eat more, party more or engage in high risk sexual activity just to try to make the feelings go away. This will only provide a temporary solution and can establish habits that can create further problems later in the semester.
• Make a real effort to join organizations and make at least one or two friends. This may feel awkward and be difficult but the more you feel a part of the campus community the less homesick you will feel.
• Make your environment your own. If you live on campus decorate your room in your own taste and style. Put out pictures of your house, family and old friends to help create a comfortable and safe feeling. This tells you and those around you that you belong.
• Learn how to do things for yourself. Whether its laundry, writing a check or buying groceries, independence can increase your self confidence and make you feel capable of handling any situation.
• Lastly and most importantly, share your feelings of homesickness with a roommate, friend, RA, family member or someone at Counseling Services. Sometimes this simple step may get you over the worst period so that you can move on to fully enjoy your college experience.

If homesickness or other issues are causing you concern, phone Counseling Services at 419-434-4526 to set up a free and confidential appointment.