Heading off to college is an exciting new adventure, but it can also be really hard. Many UW-EC students and their parents struggle with feeling homesick when it's time for the UW-EC student to leave home and start this new chapter.
As a student, going to college means leaving behind the familiar things you're used to. Suddenly, you're in a brand new place with people you don't know very well. You have to take care of yourself and manage your own schedule, which can be pretty overwhelming, especially when you also have a lot of schoolwork to do. All of these big changes can make you feel lonely and make you really miss the comforts of home.
Parents also have a tough time when their child goes to college. You've gotten used to having your kid around the house every day, and now they're living on their own. It's hard not being as involved in their daily life. You might find yourself missing their presence and worrying about how they're doing. Letting go and allowing your child to be more independent is a big adjustment.
Feeling homesick is a completely normal reaction to all these changes, but there are ways to deal with it and make the transition smoother. Both students and parents can try different strategies to cope with missing home.
For Students
As a student, one of the most important things you can do is try to maintain a healthy daily routine. Make sure you're eating well, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Having a schedule can help you feel more grounded and in control, even when other parts of your life feel new and chaotic.
Bring your favorite items from home, and make it cozy and welcoming. That can go a long way in making your new living situation feel a little more familiar.
If you ever find yourself really struggling with homesickness, don't be afraid to reach out for extra support. The counseling services at your college are there to help. The counselors understand how challenging the transition to college can be, and they can provide tools and strategies to help you cope; https://www.uwec.edu/counseling-services/.
For Parents
As a parent, it's important to maintain open communication with your child, but also give them the space they need to become more independent. Avoid constantly calling, texting, or checking in on them, as that can make them feel smothered. Instead, encourage them to share both the good and bad parts of their college experience with you.
You can keep updated without hovering around UWEC and your student by joining one of the communication methods found at Blugold Family Communication https://www.uwec.edu/blugold-family-communication/ or become a Parent + Family Ambassador https://www.uwec.edu/blugold-family-communication/parent-family-ambassador-program/. As an ambassador, hear what Dr. Julie Ann Gensburg-Sawal, Parent & Family Ambassador since 2022, has to say, "It is an honor to serve UWEC as a Parent and Family Ambassador. Living three hours away, I enjoy connecting online with other Ambassadors to learn about the latest campus happenings, family events, and volunteer opportunities. But, spending time on campus meeting both current and future Blugold families reconfirms that my daughters made an excellent choice to attend UWEC as music education major.”
It's also crucial for you, as a parent, to take care of yourself during this transition. Connect with other parents who have kids in college. Joining a local support group or online community can help you feel less alone. Reach out to family and friends who can empathize with what you're going through. You can sign up for the Blugold Family Communication newsletter https://apply.uwec.edu/register/blugold-family and of course there is always the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Parents and Family FaceBook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/241425107248322/.
Going from high school and home to college is a huge life change. When your child does open up, listen without judgment and validate their feelings. Let them know it's normal to feel homesick, and that you're there to support them, not fix all their problems. Offer suggestions if they ask for help, but resist the urge to swoop in and solve everything for them.
Make sure to carve out time for self-care activities that help you recharge, whether it's going for a walk, reading a good book, or pursuing a hobby. Taking care of your own emotional needs will make you better equipped to support your child from afar.
Remember, your child's journey to independence is ultimately a positive step, even if it's accompanied by some difficult feelings. Try to embrace this transition as an opportunity for personal growth, both for you and your child. With patience and the right coping strategies, you can navigate this change successfully.
Seeking Support on Campus
Luckily, colleges like the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire (UWEC) offer a variety of resources to help students and parents deal with homesickness.
The UWEC Counseling Services is a great place for students to turn to if they're struggling. Their team of experienced counselors is dedicated to supporting students through the challenges of the college transition. They understand that homesickness can be a significant barrier to academic and personal success, and they're there to provide the tools and strategies needed to overcome it.
Through individual and group counseling sessions, as well as workshops and support groups, the Counseling Services office can help students develop healthy coping mechanisms, build a stronger support network, and find a greater sense of belonging on campus. Students can access these services by visiting the UWEC Counseling Services website at: https://www.uwec.edu/counseling-services/.
For parents, the UWEC Parent and Family Program is an invaluable resource. This program provides a variety of workshops, support groups, and a dedicated parent and family website to help you navigate the college experience. You can connect with other parents who understand what you're going through, access helpful information and resources, and learn strategies for supporting your child from a distance.
Utilizing the support systems available on campus can make a big difference for both students and parents. Don't be afraid to reach out and take advantage of these services - they're there to help you through this transition.
Embracing the Change
Homesickness is a completely normal reaction to the significant changes that come with going to college. Both students and parents are bound to experience some feelings of longing for the way things used to be. But it's important to remember that this is a temporary phase, and that the personal growth and independence gained through the college experience are incredibly valuable.
As a student, embrace the opportunity to explore new interests, meet new people, and develop a stronger sense of self. And parents, while it may be difficult to let go, try to see this transition as a chance for your child to thrive and for your relationship to evolve in a positive way.
With the right mindset, coping strategies, and support systems in place, you can navigate the ups and downs of homesickness and emerge from this experience stronger than ever. Trust the process, be patient with yourself and your child, and know that the discomfort of homesickness will give way to exciting new adventures.
Remember, you're not alone in this journey. Reach out, lean on others, and trust that with time and care, the feeling of missing home will fade, and you'll find a new sense of belonging in this next chapter of your life.
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References
200 student organizations: https://www.uwec.edu/offices-services/activities-involvement-leadership/student-organizations-uwec.
UWEC Athletics: https://blugolds.com/
UW-Eau Claire College Care Packages page: https://www.swaku-2.com/uwec-cp-home
UW-EC Counseling Services: https://www.uwec.edu/counseling-services/
Blugold Family Communication: https://www.uwec.edu/blugold-family-communication/
Parent + Family Ambassador: https://www.uwec.edu/blugold-family-communication/parent-family-ambassador-program/
Blugold Family Communication newsletter: https://apply.uwec.edu/register/blugold-family
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Parents and Family Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/241425107248322/.
