College and Homesickness...or Irritation Prevention

It's been almost four months since the day the back of my family's car drove away from me. Almost four month since I’ve had to be alone in a room with someone I hardly know. Four months that I have had to deal without having my parents, family, and my best friends. In college it is said that almost all students break down due to homesickness, which is longing for home and family while absent from them, simply put. Many psychologist have stated that it comes about being lonely all the time…I for one will have to disagree with that wonderfully worded definition.


Homesickness is not just the inability of being able to go throughout the day without seeing or being with the familiar. For some of us homesickness is the feeling you get when you have to deal with people who push your buttons all day everyday mixed in with the fact that you won’t be able to easily evade their behinds like you would back home. Being away from home is indeed a bit challenging for some but the addition of a few agitators is what makes you wish you were back home. I’m not saying that Webster is wrong. I'm just saying that some things differ for each case and in every situation should be clarified.

If you are currently living on a college campus there is a great chance you can agree. Over the past week to keep my sanity I have come up with a few tips to keep your hands from going around somebody's throat. Especially since getting arrested is a no go in many of our books.

1. Attempt to stay out of your room. Go roam around and talk to people. Play ping pong (seems to be HUGE in college), eat with new people, and do a few homework assignments in the lobby. Someone is sure to recognize a textbook and strike up conversation.

2. If it’s your roommate that's bugging you then set some rules. Remember that you both have to follow them. Then refer back to number 1.

3. Actually go to class. There is nothing like making your brain throb from learning to take your mind off of what is not the same. Learning is universal :)

4. Do not call home all the time. If you know that hearing your ma's voice is going to start up the tear factory then try emailing instead. Its less intimate so it’s less likely to strike up some emotions. It is 100% ok to keep in touch. It’s not ok for you to make yourself sick yearning for something you can’t have momentarily.

A higher education is meant to be enjoyed. Going away from home to get this enjoyment is a bit more complicated but it’s all a part of life. Some things you can’t change so make them the best they could be.