How To Deal With Being Away From Your Parents at College

Tips for Managing Homesickness

Adjusting to college can feel like stepping into a whole new world. There are new responsibilities, new people, and unfamiliar environments — all of which can be thrilling and overwhelming. It’s important to remember that feeling out of place at first is completely normal. With time and effort, your new surroundings will start to feel more like home. The key is to find ways to bridge the gap between where you came from and where you are now. 

Stay connected, but don’t overdo it

Maintaining communication with family and friends from home is essential, but relying too heavily on them can hinder your ability to adjust. Setting healthy boundaries around communication with parents and loved ones can help you stay connected while giving yourself space to grow into your new life on campus. Try scheduling phone or video calls once or twice per week, so you have a sense of continuity without feeling tethered to life back home. A consistent routine can help manage any homesick anxiety and provide a sense of stability in your new environment.

“It is important that college students are able to balance their need to be connected with home and to gradually build their independence. Maintaining communication with parents and siblings by regularly checking in with them is very helpful to students.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

Visiting home a few times per semester can provide comfort and maintain your connection with family, but going home every weekend can cause you to miss out on important opportunities to bond with your peers and fully engage in campus life. 

Create a routine to settle in

Establishing a daily routine can help ease the transition by creating a sense of normalcy. Starting your morning the same way each day — whether it’s grabbing a coffee from the same cafe, listening to a favorite podcast, or taking a short walk before class — can foster a sense of familiarity in a new environment.

“Students can feel more comfortable in their new environment by developing self-care routines and making new friends that can be part of their support system during the transition of leaving home and starting college.”

– Talkspace therapist Dr. Olga Molina, D.S.W., LCSW

Make your space feel like home

Your dorm is more than just a place to sleep — it’s your new home, and small touches can help it feel that way. Bring along a few favorite items that remind you of home, like cozy blankets, framed photos of friends and family, or even a scented candle that smells like home (as long as your dorm allows it!). String up some warm lights, add a soft rug, or put up some posters that bring you joy. Creating an inviting and personalized space can help you feel more settled and at ease in your new environment.

Establish new comforts

Finding new sources of comfort in your college setting can make a big difference in how you feel. Maybe it’s discovering a new coffee shop where you can focus and work, creating a playlist that makes you feel energized in the mornings, or joining a club on campus where you can make new friends. The key is to create small routines that give you something to look forward to, helping to replace what you miss from home while building new, meaningful experiences.

Seek out support on campus

Join clubs and organizations

Getting involved isn’t just about filling up your schedule — it’s about creating connections that turn a campus into a community. It might feel scary at first, but joining a club, student organization, or sports team can introduce you to other people who share your interests and values. 

Develop healthy habits

When you take care of yourself, you’ll find it easier to handle the ups and downs of college life, and you’ll be better equipped to manage the waves of homesickness while away from family. It’s easy to get caught up in late-night study sessions or a new and exciting nightlife, but moderation can make a world of difference to your health and mental well-being. Making time for nutritious meals, regular movement, and a full night’s sleep can help you feel more grounded and energized.

Make new friends and find a support system

Making friends in college might feel intimidating, but remember, you’re not alone in this experience. So many students around you are feeling the exact same way — like a fish out of water, hoping to meet new people and find their place. 

Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you in class or attend a campus event that sounds fun. Even a simple “Hey, mind if I sit here?” or “I recognize you from my chemistry class, what did you think of the professor?” can open the door to a great conversation. The more you practice, the easier it will get, and the faster your support network will grow.

Embrace new experiences and independence

College is a time for growth, exploration, and self-discovery, but that doesn’t mean it’s without challenges, especially when you’re missing home. Independence isn’t about doing everything on your own — it’s about building a life that feels true to you. Reach out to your friends and family when you’re missing them most, but also challenge yourself to meet someone new every day. Say yes to a social event, even if you’re nervous. What’s the worst that could happen? 

Every time you push yourself just a little outside your comfort zone, that comfort zone gets a little bit bigger. Tackling new challenges is part of growing up and leaving home, and facing them head-on can help you build crucial life skills to succeed in college and beyond.

Don’t neglect your mental health

College is hard, and change can be scary. Whether you’re struggling with your calculus homework or your mental health — help is available, and there’s no shame in asking for it. 

If you’re struggling with homesickness, college resources are available. Many colleges offer free counseling services, peer support groups, and wellness programs designed specifically for students in your situation. Practicing self care techniques like journaling, meditating, exercising, or simply setting aside time for activities you enjoy can also make a big impact in managing stress and overcoming homesickness.

What To Do if You Need Extra Support

It’s normal for homesickness to come and go, but when feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression at college start interfering with your daily life — making it hard to concentrate in class, socialize, or even take care of yourself — it might be time to seek additional support. Feeling down from time to time is expected, but if these emotions persist or intensify, talk to someone about it.

It’s okay to lean on your parents for comfort, but make sure you’re also taking the initiative in seeking the help you need. Consider setting up an appointment with a campus counselor — they can help you process your feelings and develop strategies to cope. Platforms like Talkspace also offer affordable, online therapy for students seeking additional support during the transition to college life. 

Building a Support System for Long-Term Well-being

Adjusting to college takes time, and support systems are essential for long-term well-being in every stage of life. Whether through friendships, mentorships, or a trusted therapist, having a strong support network will help you develop the tools you need to thrive.