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Whether you’re a freshman or a senior, studying abroad or going to college in your hometown – it’s natural to have a period of adjustment when you leave home. Experiencing new things and meeting different people can be exciting and stressful at the same time. Sometimes, it can make you feel a deep desire to return to the people and situations you know best.

The good news is that homesickness goes away eventually. As you gradually get used to your new surroundings, you’ll grow more comfortable. You’ll also gain a sense of confidence and independence by knowing that you can learn to adjust. Here are some tips to help ease your transition.

Accept that things will be different, but different isn’t bad or wrong. Part of maturing is learning to be flexible in different situations, so this is all part of the process of preparing you for a fantastic future.

Bring a piece of home. Pack special items that remind you of home and give you comfort like your pillow, stuffed animals, pictures, posters, music, and specialty food items.

Focus on what you’re gaining. Instead of thinking about everything you’re missing, focus on what you’re gaining by being away. Think about all the new experiences you can share with friends and family when you return.

Know that you’re not alone. Everyone who is new is in the same boat so find a buddy to go exploring. Walk around and learn the campus and city. The more familiar you become with your new surroundings, the more your feelings of homesickness will fade.

Keep in touch. You’re never more than a call or click away from friends and family. Make an effort to explore and learn new things about your environment so you can share your experiences with them.

Get involved. Join a club, study group, or find a part-time job that will get you involved with other people. Knowing that you will see the same faces and interact on a regular schedule helps a lot.

Plan a visit. Invite friends and family to visit you and act as their tour guide. It also helps to schedule a trip back home, but avoid going home every weekend. You’ll gain more confidence by sticking it out and finding new things to do.

Talk about your feelings. Homesickness is natural. It doesn’t mean you are weak, only that you have experienced love and security in your home life – and that’s a good thing! If you find you are having trouble coping, talk to a friend, roommate, RA, or a campus counselor. It’s important to acknowledge your feelings rather than keep them inside. You are definitely not the first student to experience homesickness, and by sharing what you’re going through with others, you’ll find even more ways to start to adjust.

Susan Fee is a licensed counselor and author of the college survival guide, “My Roommate Is Driving Me Crazy! Solve Conflicts, Set Boundaries, and Survive the College Roommate from Hell” (Adams Media). She offers more college survival tips on her Web site, myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com myroommateisdrivingmecrazy.com

Although you will enjoy the experience tremendously, going to college will cost you at least an arm and possibly a leg. If you accept the fact early on that you need extra funds to pay for this investment, then you’ll be motivated to start looking for financial assistance opportunities.

Here are the five best ways to pay for college.

1. Scholarships

Scholarships are a prospective college student’s primary aid objective. Apply for as many scholarships as you can, because if you just get one, you’ll end up saving thousands of dollars on your college costs. Scholarships don’t have to be paid back. You may have to fulfill certain requirements, but you aren’t going to make any repayments on your scholarship awards. Scholarships can be need or performance-based. There are scholarships out there that cater to every single imaginable identity, from football players to cancer survivors to Mormons. Put in the time to find scholarships that you are eligible for, and apply for as many as possible.

2. Grants

Grants are the next best thing to a scholarship. Grants do not need to be repaid. You can receive thousands of grant dollars from your university as well as local, state and federal governments. Make sure that you have filled out all the grant applications you qualify for. Get your FAFSA turned in early every year. The more free money you get, the less you have to pay back. So get on the ball and start looking for grants.

3. Loans

Loans are not as appealing as scholarships and grants, but they can come in very handy. If you get a student loan, you need to understand what you are getting yourself into. Subsidized loans are awarded based on financial need. They do not accrue interest while you are in school. Unsubsidized loans are not need based. When you take out an unsubsidized loan, you will accrue interest while you are in school. Be sure that you go to your loan exit review, so that you understand the terms of your repayment obligations once you graduate.

4. Work

Get a job. Pay as you go. Invest as you invest. If you have money coming in, you’ll be more secure during and after your college experience.

5. Family

You can always hit up your family members for money. Be honest with each other. Know what to expect and what’s expected. Have all the facts out on the table so that you can plan accordingly.

If you prepare for the financial impact of college, you’ll be in a better position once you graduate. Don’t assume anything. Get the answers to your financial questions ahead of time, and remember to apply for aid at least one year before you a

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