Weird living situation at college

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Tomorrow I begin an 8 week intensive summer language program. I am living in a dorm for this period, and I have a roommate. Honestly, I just feel really weird being away from home. I’m only 5.5 hours away, so I’ll be going home occasionally during this period. I have studied abroad in Europe before, so I have experience being away for extended periods of time. My issue with my living situation is that the dorm I’m in is very tiny and I don’t have my own kitchen. I was told by the program staff before arriving that I would.

Any advice (from a Catholic perspective) on how to deal with these feelings? I don’t want this to interfere with my studying. Thanks.
 
The best thing you can do is pray about it. For patience, understanding, and that your roommates (and you ) will be considerate of one another.
 
Thank you. Do you have any advice for how to not feel homesick? Thanks.
 
deutsch1997bw said:
Thank you. Do you have any advice for how to not feel homesick? Thanks.
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Speaking from experience when I was first away from home , it’s horrible . I don’t know of any remedy for it . But be assured it will pass away , probably sooner than you think . Mine lasted for about a week , but as I made new friends the homesickness began to ebb away .

So enjoy life at college . 😄
 
I’d agree with what Rob2 said. It’s takes time to adjust. Just remind yourself that it’s something everyone feels when they first go away to school The feeling will pass as you get adjusted to your new routine and you become involved with classes, activities, and new friends.

Best of luck to you!
 
deutsch1997bw said:
Any advice (from a Catholic perspective) on how to deal with these feelings? I don’t want this to interfere with my studying. Thanks.
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You can offer your annoyance at not having your own kitchen and being in a tiny space up to the Lord in reparation for sins and for the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

In order to get away from the tiny space and/or the roommate, make use of common areas such as libraries, lounges, outside under a tree if the weather is nice, etc.

As for homesickness, you will likely soon meet some fun friends and your enjoyment at being around them will outweigh your homesickness. If somehow it doesn’t, then you’re only away for 8 weeks. 8 weeks is nothing. And then you can go home.
 
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Thanks. This is what I’ve been telling myself. Of course, I’d like to make friends, but my purpose here is ultimately to study Russian. If I don’t make friends, well, I can deal with myself for eight weeks.
 
I don’t really have any Catholic-specific advice. Look up the mass and confession schedules for the campus chapel or nearest church. Maybe set up an appointment with the chaplain to talk about home sickness.

Otherwise, just learn your roommates schedule so you don’t step on eachother’s toes. Keep your open when your just hanging out so neighbors can drop by; make an effort to drop by others who’s doors are open.
 
Didn’t you ask the same thing last year? What did you do then? Do whatever worked when you were away.
 
Yes, I did. In that case, I made friends. I’m not saying that I won’t this time, but I have always had a fear of not making friends. I guess I’m just looking for someone else to talk to than my parents. I don’t want to put this on their shoulders.
 
Nope. No one on my floor expected everyone to have to share a kitchen. This, I think, will make me go home every other weekend, so that I can get a decent meal.
 
Cooking and speaking Russian are two great ways to interact with others. Keep yourself as busy as you can and try some different forms of exercise than your usual. You can meet people more quickly through sports sometimes.
 
If you are afraid of feeling homesick, I think you can meet people having a communal kitchen. Unless you plan to eat out everyday, I think you will be forced to meet people.
 
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