Leaving home for the first time might be difficult for students across the country. Especially when coming from a different coast, students might feel intimidated when moving to college.
Homesickness is one of the most common experiences to new college students. A 2017 study shows that 19 to 70% of undergraduate students experience homesickness within the first six months of moving away from home.
Sara Driskell, Ph.D. and lecturer in the psychology department at Auburn University, offered insight of the psychological changes of what moving far away to college does to students. Driskell and her team started studying the effects of homesickness on students in 2021.
“We started this study through a research fellowship with one of our students a few years ago, and we’ve been keeping up with the data for three years now," Driskell said. "We’ve also been monitoring how they deal with the new and exciting changes when they come to campus."
Driskell noted that it is important for students to attempt to overcome their anxiety when moving away from home by putting themselves out there. She noted that getting involved was “helpful for the transition” when students move from home.
In her studies, Driskell has claimed “it’s a big adjustment” but “most students do well” when coming to campus. Despite most students that participate in the studies experience anxiety about moving far, she thinks it’s part of the learning experience.
“Students that immerse themselves in the new environments and are getting involved manage to help students not feel as anxious,” Driskell said. “Diving right into campus makes the transition smoother. Whether you join Greek Life, an organization or just meet a friend in class.”
Driskell also noted that friendships are crucial to making the first-year experience less frightening. Weekly updates about life are crucial when having anxiety about moving away from home. She also recommends doing affirmations when going through a tough time.
As of fall 2025, Auburn University had 28, 953 undergraduate students from around the United States. Alabama holds the highest enrollment, with 17,722 undergraduate students while South Dakota has the lowest enrollment with 3 undergraduate students. Oregon is also among the states with the lowest enrollment; with 19 students in fall 2023.
One student, Laura Walker, is from Hood River, Oregon, which is 2,535 miles away from Auburn. Walker is a senior in interior design and has spent three years at Auburn.
Walker stated that moving away from home was “exciting” and a bit out of her comfort zone when she decided to transfer to Auburn. She ultimately began feeling excited to leave the place she’d lived in for 21 years when she realized the impact it would have on her life.
“I was looking forward to having a new experience, whole new set of friends and to experience a different culture from the Northwest,” Walker said. “I think I just put myself out there and tried to make friends, I introduced myself, went to events and put myself out there.”
Walker is close with her family, calling them at least three times a week, and her parents visit once or twice a year. She said that her family is “very close” and it is good to keep in touch during this transition.
Walker and her parents before a football game. Contributed by Laura Walker.
Walker also related to incoming students when she found herself struggling to solidify friendships. However, she worked through this by “being intentional” about hanging out with others.
“I struggled to know if they were going to be real friendships. Around the three or four week mark, you’re thinking ‘will we continue to be friends?’ that’s what I struggled with,” Walker said. “We were intentional in meeting up, doing things we both like. Finding common ground and not putting too much pressure on a friendship.”
Walker said that friendship doesn't have to be intricate, having days inside and “talking on the couch” were also beneficial to her group and her experience. She also emphasized friendships starting in the fall can be “rooted” around football season.
Going somewhere to watch the game, or going to the stadium, helps a lot for this time. Walker fondly recalled wearing all white with her friends and watching the eagle flight — her favorite tradition — and having a feeling of awe.
“I’ve never been in a football stadium before that day and to be in an SEC stadium, in Auburn was unique. Out of all of the SEC stadiums I’ve been in, Auburn has an energy you can’t describe. It’s overwhelming in a good way,” Walker said. “There’s something about everyone screaming ‘War Eagle’ no matter how long or short it is but it’s always fun.”
Walker and her friends at Toomer's Corner after an Auburn win. Contributed by Laura Walker
Walker advises students to put themselves out there and to not be afraid because everyone is in the same boat. She encouraged them to take the first step out of their comfort zone because they might find a friend that will "be in your life for the rest of it." Walker also wanted everyone to remind incoming students it's okay to feel intimidated and that they'll survive their "first year of fun."
This article is featured in The Auburn Plainsman's Summer 2026 print edition.
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Brychelle is a senior majoring in public and professional writing with a minor in information systems, from Huntsville, AL. She has been with The Auburn Plainsman since August 2023, previously serving as the Campus Reporter, Opinion Editor and Newsletter Editor. She is currently serving as the Editor-in-Chief.
