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Starting out at a new school can be difficult, especially if your student is moving away from friends or family.ÌýÌýÌý

Here are a few strategies you can use to help your student overcome homesickness this semester.Ìý

1. Keep a hopeful outlook

Remind your student that while it may not be obvious, many students feel homesick, even as transfer students. Let them know it’s okay to experience homesickness, especially after they’ve said goodbye to their friends, family, home or routine.ÌýÌý

It’s also important to emphasize that homesickness is often temporary. Chances are that whatever they’re feeling will lessen over time as they become more familiar with campus life and the people at CU.Ìý

Here are some things students can do to remain positive and hopeful:ÌýÌýÌý

• Set small, achievable goals, like attending one campus event or talking to someone new each week.ÌýÌý
• Reflect on all the reasons they chose to attend CU and the opportunities that lie ahead.ÌýÌý
• Allow them to feel their emotions before encouraging them to let go of those feelings.Ìý
• Remember homesickness can be a sign that they have loving relationships with others, and that is something to be grateful for.Ìý

2. Stay in touch

As your student navigates life on campus and meets new people, it can be helpful for them to stay in touch with their friends and family back home. Even if their friends are attending different colleges or living in other cities, encouraging your student to check in and catch up can help them feel more connected.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

If your student is struggling, encourage them to reach out so you can talk through it together. Allowing your student to lean on you for support can remind them that they’re not alone and they have people they can rely on in tough times. However, it’s important to remember that you are not there to solve their problems. Instead, try to actively listen to their experiences, validate their feelings and offer support.Ìý

Remind your student that while having a solid support system back home is important, it also shouldn’t impede them from spending time or creating new connections here at CU.Ìý

Here are some ways your student can stay connected:ÌýÌý

• Schedule regular calls or video chats with friends or families.ÌýÌýÌý
• Exchange letters with one another. After all, who doesn’t like receiving something in the mail?ÌýÌýÌý
• Stay connected and show what life is like over social media.Ìý
• Create a group chat to keep everyone in the loop and provide collective support.Ìý

3. Establish a routine

Living independently, navigating a new place, taking on more responsibilities and juggling a potentially demanding class schedule may require your student to adjust their normal routine. In fact, creating a routine, no matter how small it may be, can help ease feelings of anxiety and make life more predictable.ÌýÌýÌý

Here are some easy ways for students to add routine to their days:ÌýÌýÌý

• Take the same route to and from classes.ÌýÌýÌý
• Meet up with friends, classmates or hallmates to eat around the same time.ÌýÌýÌý
• Plan out time for classes, studying and socializing.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
• Find a study spot on campus.ÌýÌýÌýÌý
• Establish a consistent laundry or cleaning schedule.Ìý

4. Get out there (even if it's hard)

Making friends as an adult might seem harder than it used to be for many students. It may feel intimidating to be vulnerable and put themselves out there. However, it's important to remind your student that if they’re struggling to make new friends or find ‘their people' on campus, they’re not alone.ÌýÌý

Here are a few ways your student can work to put themselves out there:ÌýÌýÌý

• Avoid relying on one person to ‘have it all.’ÌýÌýÌý
• Stay open to making different friends for different reasons (e.g., someone who is good to study with may not be the same person who would make a good confidant).ÌýÌýÌý
• Get together as a group if they’re nervous about hanging out with someone one-on-one.Ìý
• Become a regular at events or campus activities.ÌýÌýÌý
• Sit near the same people in their classes and join study groups.ÌýÌýÌý
• Remind themselves that some students may be struggling to find connections, so they should do their best to be inclusive and invite others to tag along.Ìý

5. Connect with resources

If your student is struggling to connect with others, feels lonely or needs some extra help, try connecting them with support resources on campus.ÌýÌýÌýÌý

Student events

Each semester, Student Affairs hosts hundreds of events, workshops and other opportunities to get involved. Encourage your student to check out upcoming opportunities to meet other Buffs and have fun on campus.ÌýÌý

Transfer BuffsÌý

Your student can connect with resources, events and opportunities to build community with other transfer students on campus.ÌýÌý

Beyond Campus Buffs

Does your student commute to CU or live off campus? Encourage them to get involved with the Beyond Campus Buffs Program to meet other students, access the Commuter Lounge and more.Ìý

Peer Wellness Coaching

Encourage your student to meet with a trained student to explore ways to make friends on campus, set goals, create routines and make the most of their time at CU Â鶹ӰԺ.

Center for Student Involvement

There are a variety of ways to get involved at CU, including student organizations, leadership and volunteer opportunities, events and more.Ìý

First-Generation Students Program

If your student is the first person in your family to attend college or university, encourage them to join our community of first-gen students to socialize, learn about campus resources, find support and more.Ìý

Pride Office

The Pride Office supports LGBTQ+ students through community events, social spaces, resources and more.Ìý

Residence halls on campus host events to help students meet their hallmates. Encourage your student to check with their RA to learn about upcoming events.

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