Homesick at College? Here's What's Actually Normal

And what to do about it

If you're a few weeks (or months) into college and suddenly hit with a wave of "wait, why do I feel so bad? Is this normal?" — this episode is for you. Leslie breaks down what's actually happening when the initial excitement of college fades and homesickness sets in, why it's so much more common than it feels in the moment, and exactly what to do about it.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why homesickness hits hardest after the "honeymoon phase" of college wears off — what Leslie calls "the dip"

• 3 beliefs that quietly fuel homesickness anxiety (and why none of them are actually true)

• Why missing home doesn't mean you're not independent — it means the opposite

• 3 concrete things you can do to feel more settled: building a small daily routine, staying connected to your support system, and tapping into campus resources

• How long adjustment really takes, and when it's more than homesickness

Chapters:

[00:00] Is it normal to feel this bad right now?

[02:17] Why it hits so hard right now: "the dip"

[04:12] 3 beliefs driving your homesickness anxiety

[06:38] 3 things you can actually do about it

[10:08] How long transition really takes

[10:42] When it's more than homesickness — getting extra support

[11:40] Free resources for you and your parents

Resources mentioned:

• Episode 197: What Nobody Tells Freshmen About the First Semester of College

• Free Clarity Call with Leslie

• Free "Four Conversations" Guide for parents

Listen now if you've been feeling off, out of place, or unsure whether what you're feeling is normal — this episode can help.