Firstie Features; How to Battle Homesickness

by Kitten Delacruz

You aren’t really sick. You are just missing home. Most of the time we don’t like to talk about it. But, guess what? I can do all the talking! You just keep reading. 

Like all of us, you probably don’t want to tell everyone how you feel. But, just remember we are all in the same boat, actually a castle, together. This is a period of transition. Since we are sort of between places, we can feel disconnected from both. If we dwell on this point, we will let fear and anxiety in.

This feeling hit me the hardest my first year here. It makes sense. We are young and it’s our first time that we’ll be away from our family for such a long time. Everything feels like a step into the unknown. Before we have a chance to settle in, classes have started and homework is assigned. It becomes overwhelming, just as the castle is unfamiliar to us. To top it off, there is someone that locks us in at night. This is so very different for us. Usually, we are warm and cozy and tucked into our own beds at night. And, our family is just down the hallway.

What is it that we are actually missing? Sometimes we’re missing the usual activities, our pets, the family, sense of home, traditions and the food. I always miss that the most. Not just the taste of home cooking but the way it smells too. YUM! And, we miss our friends. Just remember we’ll be making more friends here. Some will become lifelong friends, as close as family.

There are a few tips that I’ve found helpful when I miss home. Give them a read through and see if they might help you too!

Focus on the positive things (you are at Hogwarts, the best ever)
Don’t write home too often (spend your time moving forward)
Keep in touch still (otherwise mum might send you a howler)
Make some new friends (we’re all in this together)
Keep a journal (be sure to protect it from prying eyes)
Nesting (decorate your dorm room with things that make you comfy)
Get into your new routine. You’ll be so busy that it will be winter break before we know it!