As we continue to emphasize the importance of maintaining your social well-being, we recognize that now is about the time of year when you may start to experience homesickness or are simply feeling disconnected from your friends and loved ones from home. Read below for some helpful tips from your fellow students about staying in touch with others.

What is Social Well-Being?

Developing and maintaining connections that allow you to form a community of mutual support

Improve Your Social Well-Being

Routinely connect with family and friends from home: 

• "Establish a day and time to go for a walk on campus and call your friends and family from home." - Syndey, second-year student
• "I make it a point to call, FaceTime, or message my friends and family at least once a day so that I never feel far away from them." - Nina, fourth-year student

Keep memories from home nearby: 

• "Print a picture of your family or friends from home or keep a cherished item with you so you always have something to remember those you care about." - Rohan, fourth-year student

Embrace your new community: 

• "Make time to do something you love and get involved in activities where you can be part of a new community." - Kareena, second-year student
• "Find ways to make campus feel like home by establishing new traditions with new friends like watching a weekly show or eating a meal together after class." - Julie, fourth-year student

Engage with campus resources: 

• You may find it helpful to talk with a professional from the Counseling Center about your feelings.
• Connect with your resident or community assistant, first year fellow, commuter assistant, transfer assistant, or other forms of peer support.
• Develop a supportive and mutually beneficial partnership with your roommate(s).

Do: Keep a Journal

Writing down your thoughts and feelings in a journal can be a helpful way to identify how your emotions are impacting your day-to-day life. Especially if you are experiencing homesickness, spend a few minutes each day reflecting on questions like these:

• How am I feeling today?
• What do I miss about home?
• What positive aspects of my home life can I recreate here?
• What new experiences am I looking forward to?

Engage With Your Social Well-Being

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