What do college students miss the most about home?

Hello everyone. I'm thinking about heading off to college next year and the prospect of leaving home is making me a bit anxious. For all of you in college or who recently graduated, what did you find you missed the most about home or your pre-college life? I kinda want to plan in advance to help lessen some of my homesickness fears.

It's perfectly normal to feel a bit anxious about leaving home! Many of us have been in the same boat before.

One major thing students often miss about home is the comfort of being around family and close friends. Your family and childhood friends understand you in ways that new college friends might take a while to. Having video calls or setting a regular schedule to chat can help keep that connection strong.

You might also start to miss home-cooked meals and the convenience of just having the fridge full. College dining halls have a convenience factor, but they often can't beat Mom or Dad's best dishes. It might even be worth learning to cook a few simple recipes before heading to college!

Another thing students tend to miss is the familiarity of their hometown or pre-college life. A new campus, city, or even state can feel a bit overwhelming at times. Try to bring a few comforts from home with you: decorations for your dorm, or your favorite books, for example. Even if you don't look at them often, having them there can make your new environment feel a bit more like "home".

Lastly, many students miss the structure and routine of high school. College runs at a different pace and requires more personal responsibility, so it's important to brace yourself for that adjustment too.

Remember, it's human to miss what's familiar, but this is also an exciting new chapter of your life. In time, college might become another kind of home for you in its own right! You're growing, learning, and broadening your horizons. Yes, there are things you'll miss, but there are also so many new and exciting experiences waiting for you!