“When you feel homesick,’ he said, ‘just look up. Because the moon is the same wherever you go.'"
At this point in the semester, you have been on campus for about a month, and a lot of things can be happening in your life. You might be busy with classes and hanging out with your friends, and your social calendar might be full of exciting things. At the same time, it’s a month away from people or places that are often very important to you, which can lead to a lot of homesickness, which is extremely normal. Homesickness can have a negative impact on our mental health, and it can lead to feelings of depression, anxiety, and withdrawal. But, again, this is normal and it is not a weakness. Here are some suggestions on how you can manage homesickness if you are feeling it:
- Reach out for help – if you’re struggling, talk to a friend, your RA, or a trusted faculty member.
- Stay connected – make time to talk to family and friends regularly by phone, video chat, text, or email.
- Get involved – join a club or an organization, or get involved with campus activities and social events.
- Personalize your space – decorate your room with pictures and keepsakes from home.
- Explore your new surroundings – take time to get to know the town you’re in.
- Take care of yourself – eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.
- Set a schedule for visits home or to places that are important to you – time with family and/or friends will help boost your self-confidence.
- Visit the Student Counseling Center in Bowman Hall.
UW-Stout Student Counseling Center
410 Bowman Hall (Clocktower Building)
Office: 715-232-2468 Hours: 8AM-4:30PM
- We are currently providing both in person and telehealth services for Stout students. As always, these sessions are confidential and at no additional cost to enrolled students. You can schedule an appointment by coming to in person our office, or calling the above office number, or schedule online at www.uwstout.edu/counseling.
- Check out our Counseling Center website, Facebook page (UW-Stout Student Counseling Center), and Instagram (uwstoutcounselingcenter) for more information on ways to have a great semester.
- YOU at www.you.uwstout.edu provides self-help resources and access to crisis/help lines.
- Emergency and Crisis Resources: Call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency. Other mental health crisis options that are available 24/7 include:
- Northwest Connections: 1-888-552-6642 (local area, Western WI)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call or Text 988
- Crisis Text Line: text hello to 741741
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