Research:
Prevalence: Homesickness is a common experience for college students, with rates ranging from 30% to 80%, peaking in the first weeks of the semester (Thurber & Walton, 2012; Fisher et al., 2020).
Causes: It can result from factors such as separation from family, adjusting to a new environment, and feeling disconnected from familiar routines. Cultural differences, academic stress, and social isolation also contribute (Zhang et al., 2020; Yeh & Inman, 2007).
Effects: Homesickness negatively impacts academic performance, mental health, and social adjustment, leading to lower grades, increased anxiety and depression, and fewer social con- nections among affected students (Fisher et al., 2020; Thurber & Walton, 2012).
