There's No Place Like Home

4 Ways to Handle Homesickness as a Freshman College Athlete

By Anna Garrett|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on September 8, 2022)

Your first year in college is scary. Whether you are 30 minutes away from home or all the way across the country, living on your own in a new environment can be overwhelming. Having homesickness is completely normal so here are 4 things that can help you cope as a rookie college athlete.

Set up a Zoom schedule

You may have a new team on campus, but don't forget about your home team (your family). Technology is a beautiful thing in this circumstance because no matter where you are in the country, you can see their smiling faces over Zoom or FaceTime. Find a time that both you and your family are available to talk for at least 15 minutes and make it a routine. This will give you something to look forward to and you'll feel much more in the loop because you're consistently talking to them.

Plan visits home

Before you leave for school, sit down with your parents and find a couple of weekends a semester you could go home that don't include designated breaks. This can be hard with games and practices, but it's worth the effort. Going home can rejuvenate you and get you ready to take on the rest of the school year. If possible, your parents could also visit you too if they have the time. Even a weekend could make all the difference.

Get involved

Being an athlete can help the transition to college go more smoothly because you will have instant friends on your team. Plus, staying involved in team-related activities can really help take your mind off of your homesickness. If you have time, try to join a club that interests you like Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) or some kind of leadership society. Bonus: This will look good to employers in the future.

Related: Rate your Coaches, Facilities, and Campus Visits

Talk to your school therapist

If your homesickness is getting to be too much, go talk to your school therapist or sports psychologist if they're available to you. You are not the only one going through this so they can give you some tips and tricks on how to cope (or just hear you out–sometimes you need to vent!).

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