Homesick? It can happen to anyone. Here are some thoughts from the folks in Counselling and Student Life.

Minimizing the Effects of Homesickness

Shirley Porter, M.Ed., R.S.W., C.C.C.
Counsellor, Student Success Centre
F2010

I recall quite vividly the morning I left home to attend university and live in residence. I was excited and so very sad all at the same time. I was leaving behind my best friends and family to follow my dreams.

Leaving “home” has advantages and disadvantages for all of us. No matter what kind of home we are leaving or escaping (as the case may be), there will be a time of adjustment, and very often a time of grieving as well.

Here are some tips to help you to get through the adjustment period:

Maintain regular contact with friends and family via e-mail, instant messaging, writing letters, and talking on the phone. You may want to set up “phone dates” with friends so you can mark it on your calendar and ensure you connect on the designated date and time.

Make a point of getting to know new people. Some of the people who now seem like strangers may become your good friends.

Stay away from drugs and alcohol as they can cause problems for you academically, physically, and socially. If you are hurting, talk to someone. Please don't start self-medicating since it only complicates things.

Remember that some of your classmates are in a similar situation. You are not alone even though it may feel like it.

Where possible, arrange visits with family and friends, here or at home, to remind yourself that the important people in your life are still connected to you.

Get involved, through sports, student union activities, volunteer work, or whatever you like. Keep yourself busy doing things you enjoy.

Ensure you are getting adequate rest, nutrition, and exercise. This will help keep you fueled and maintain a balance.

Seek assistance through the Student Success Centre, (Room F2010). Stop by, or call 519-452-4282 if you would like confidential support. Our counsellors and staff are here to help you succeed.

Homesickness is a common response to leaving home to come to college. At Fanshawe College we have a number of supports to help you through. Please use them.

Important Dates

Now you've caught your breath and are settling into a routine, you might want to change your courses, your program, or the number of courses you take. Time is running out!

September 19 - This is the last date you can withdraw from Fanshawe without having to pay ALL your fees for the Fall 2005 term. If you withdraw after September 19, ALL your fees are due, even if you aren't going to class!

September 19 - Also the last date this term to register in programs or courses, to change from full-time to part-time or back again, to drop or add courses, or to get credit for courses you took at other schools. Some programs or courses have earlier dates.

September 26 — Returning students, this is the last date to appeal a grade, an academic decision, or the paying of your fees from Summer 2005.


September 28 — This is the due date for fees if you are on the payment plan. Your next payment plan due date will be October 28. You can pay the balance of your fees before then if you like.

Office of the Registrar… We're working for you.

This column is a Student Success Initiative sponsored by Counselling and Student Life Services, Financial Aid and the Office of the Registrar.