Student unpacking things in dormitory, looking at family photos getty
The start of the academic year is often a peak time for many student counseling centers. Not surprisingly, many first-year/incoming students seek counseling due to anxiety about moving away from home and being in a new environment. A 2024 report on Frobes.com discussed the importance of understanding homesickness in college students . As indicated in this report, homesickness is a natural and expected reaction to being away from established attachments while experiencing significant changes. Homesickness can even serve as a sign of secure relationships and meaningful lives that were enjoyed prior to starting college. However, the concept of separation anxiety is vastly different from homesickness. As explained in