Is your student feeling homesick?
Whether your student has just started their college journey or they’re in their final year, it's totally normal to miss home or feel a little out of place sometimes. The good news? There are plenty of ways for Buffs to build connections and feel more at home on campus. Here are a few simple strategies to help you support your student.
Navigate change
Even if it doesn’t always show, many students feel homesick or lonely at some point. Remind your student that it’s completely okay to miss certain people, routines or the comfort of home—especially after a big transition.
Another important thing to remember is these feelings are temporary, and your student has likely navigated transitions like this before. As your Buff settles in, meets new people and finds their rhythm, things usually start to feel easier and more familiar. Encourage them to lean into their strengths and remember what helped them adjust to change in previous situations.
Here are some tips to help your student in the meantime:
- Set small goals. Encourage your student to try attending one campus event, joining a club or simply chatting with someone new each week. Little steps can lead to big changes.
- Remember their “why.” Ask your student to think about what brought them to CU and the exciting opportunities ahead. They’re here for a reason, and their journey is just beginning.
- Feel their feelings. Remind your student it’s okay to feel sad or overwhelmed sometimes. They can let themselves feel it, then gently shift their focus by calling a friend, reading something uplifting or listening to a favorite song.
- Reframe homesickness. Missing home means that your student has strong, loving connections—and that’s something to be grateful for.
Stay in touch
No matter how your student is feeling, keeping in touch with friends and family back home can be a powerful way to stay grounded. Regular check-ins, whether it’s quick texts or long video chats, can help ease feelings of homesickness and remind your student that they're supported and loved.
Here are some ways your student can stay connected:
- Schedule regular calls or video chats. Even short conversations can make a big difference.
- Send letters or postcards. Getting something in the mail is always a sweet surprise.
- Share their college experience on social. Post updates to stay connected and show what life is like.
- Start a group chat. Keep everyone in the loop and share support, laughs and life updates.
Establish a routine
College life can come with a lot of new responsibilities—your student is living on their own, navigating campus, managing classes and figuring out their schedule. One of the best ways to feel a sense of control is by building a routine that works.
Even small habits can help reduce stress and make your student’s days feel more predictable. Just remember routines aren’t one-size-fits-all, and it’s totally okay to modify as your Buff adjusts to the new semester.
Here are some easy ways your student can build structure into their week:
- Plan their day. Block out time for studying, classes and socializing.
- Include favorite activities or hobbies. Intentionally making time for things your student enjoys can help boost their mood and add balance to their routine.
- Find a go-to study spot. A space that helps your student focus can make a big difference.
- Stick to a cleaning or laundry schedule. Keeping their space tidy can help your student’s mind feel clearer, too.
Put themselves out there
Making friends in college can feel different than it did growing up. It might seem intimidating for your student to open up or meet new people, but those feelings are normal.
The good news? There are lots of ways for students to connect with others and build meaningful friendships over time.
Encourage your student to try these strategies to meet new friends:
- Be a regular. Showing up consistently to clubs, campus events or study sessions helps people get to know your student.
- Sit near the same people in class. Familiar faces can turn into friendships—study groups are a great way to start.
- Start with group hangouts. If hanging out one-on-one feels intimidating, your student could try joining group activities or events.
- Make the first move. Chances are that others are also looking for connection. Your student could take the initiative to invite someone to join them at an event or the dining center.
Remember, transitioning to college life is a journey, not a race. Encourage your student to give themselves grace as they grow and try new things. Each step they take, no matter how small, moves them closer to feeling truly at home.
Find support
If your student is struggling to connect with others, feels lonely or needs some extra help, encourage them to connect with support resources on campus.
- Peer Wellness Coaching: Buffs can 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 91ɫ.
- Campus Life: Learn about programs and opportunities to help students get involved, meet fellow Buffs, enjoy life on campus and prepare for the future.
- Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS): CAPS offers confidential, on-campus mental health and psychiatric services for a variety of concerns such as academics, anxiety, depression, relationships, substance use and more.