With the start of the school year in full swing, it’s not uncommon for students to get overwhelmed.

Students affected by homesickness are encouraged to speak with the counselers at the University Health and Cousenling Services to help develop skills to counteract those thoughts.

“It’s a great way if they just want to talk to somebody here on campus,” Wellness Coordinator Whitney Henley said. “Students should work with a counseler to develop stronger skills that help students deal with homesickness.”

Counseling services are provided by trained professionals. The services are free of charge to students. All information collected is kept confidential.

Henley said freshmen often experience the feeling of being homesick because of the major life style changes they undergo. Most students go from living in a family home, to living with a complete stranger, Henley said.

“It can be really overwhelming to have your whole life uprooted and just change in an instant,” Henley said. “It’s just all how you adjust to the new situation.”

Getting involved on campus can help keep the saddening feelings of home from creeping up. By  making new friends and keeping busy with activities it can counteract those feelings, Henley said.

“I haven’t really felt homesick yet, but I miss my own bed and my house,” freshman Brooke Bridges said. “Not seeing my mom everyday anymore…that’s hard, but I’m coping with it pretty well.”

Bridges is expanding her horizons by meeting new people on her floor. Living in the six-pack allows her to go out to different events that are put on by the hall.

Henley said students who are dealing with homesickness are at a greater risk to develop depression or anxiety. Being homesick can go hand in hand with other issues as well.

If a student is continually aching for home and that constant want for familiarity, it’s possible that they may not get along well with their roommate, Henley said.

Grades in classes may begin to slip and soon students may stop going to classes all together, Henley said.

Besides speaking with a counseler one on one, homesick students have the opportunity to attend group counseling sessions.

Each session focuses on a different topic. The first one of the school year is planned in a couple of weeks. ‘Understanding Self and Others,’ will help students get a better grasp on themselves and their peers.

Students can learn more about keeping their physical and mental health in check by attending the Wellness Fair from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Oct. 19 in the U.C. Hamilton Center. Depression screenings are given there for anyone interested.

Henley said degrees of homesickness can affect anybody, but it’s how you deal with it.

“You can be 40 years old and leave home and be homesick,” Henley said.