If you’re a freshman, by now the shiny sparkle of college may be tarnishing a bit. Maybe not, though, and you are maintaining all of your school work with frequent parties and a full night’s sleep, not missing your family or your parents’ cooking at all! That wasn’t me. And if it isn’t you either, you’re not abnormal.

In a 2016 study, a group of psychologists cited that college students are “particularly susceptible to homesickness given that the move to college is often their first extended time away from home.” And in fact, their study concluded that 94% of their participants reported feeling homesick in the first ten weeks of college! So if you’re feeling it, just know that most everyone around you is probably feeling it too.

But don’t fret; the study also concluded that your homesickness “will likely fade over time.” But what should you do until then? Here are a few tips:

• Don’t underestimate the power of a phone call. Schedule these calls once a week with someone you miss because sometimes texting is simply not enough. Even try writing a letter or a postcard! Getting a letter back will be like a sweet little gift in your mailbox delivered directly from home.
• Make your favorite meal that reminds you of home. My favorite meal is a blueberry oatmeal casserole that my mom used to make. One time when I was really stressed, a friend made it for me, and I wept. Literally.
• Make some new friends and join a club together, work out together, whatever you need to get out of the apartment for a little while. If you are yet to find said friends, joining a club on campus is a great way to make some.
• TALK ABOUT IT! Maybe this one sounds hokey (talking about your feelings? As if.), but everyone needs a support system. Talk to the people you miss, or if not them, talk to your classmates/roommates/co-workers, whoever you trust with a little bit of vulnerability. Most campuses have counseling centers that are free to students, too. It can be scary to open up, but I think you’ll be glad that you did.

If you’re feeling homesick, hang in there. You’re not alone, and it will get better.