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Rooks & Homesickness

Don’t be caught off guard.

Expect some degree of homesickness no matter how independent or mature your new student might seem. While some may express homesickness more openly and honestly than others, all freshman college students miss some element of home. As a new student, your son or daughter will be challenged daily. For Rooks there are the extra added physical challenges. It is not unusual for new students to question their choice, feel inadequate and want to “quit” during the first few weeks. However, these daily challenges become the successes that build pride and the confidence necessary to succeed at Norwich and in life.

Prepare yourself for complaining, crying and the words “I want to come home.”

During those first few calls, homesick new students will test their family’s commitment to Norwich. Often the challenge to parents will include statements like, “Norwich is not what I expected,” or “I'm not cut out for this.” Parents caught off guard here can often feel guilty and react to the new student’s desire to avoid an unfamiliar and challenging situation. Acknowledge that these feelings are common and are even expected during their transition. For Rooks the transition is exemplified due to training and adjustment to a highly structured, military program. Remind your new student that you miss him or her when he or she is away at college, as well, and expect some of the crying to be your own.

Be Firm.

It is crucial, especially during your Rook’s first few weeks away, that the parent/guardian(s) and any extended family members close to the Rook demonstrate a firm and unyielding commitment to their attendance at Norwich University. If a homesick Rook senses any ambivalence on the part of the decision-makers in their family about being in the Corps of Cadets, the Rook may exaggerate his or her homesickness in an effort to “push the right buttons” that he or she believes could result in withdrawal from the Corps and the University.

Remind your Rook why Norwich University was selected in the first place.

It is crucial, especially during your new student’s first few weeks away, that the parent/guardian(s) and any extended family members close to the student demonstrate a firm and unyielding commitment to their attendance at Norwich University. If a homesick student senses any ambivalence on the part of the decision-makers in their family about being at NU or in the Corps of Cadets, the student may exaggerate his or her homesickness in an effort to “push the right buttons” that he or she believes could result in withdrawal from NU or the Corps.

Accentuate the positive.

Discuss plans for Parents’ Weekend, holiday vacations and breaks. Encourage him or her to take one week at a time, stay busy, concentrate on their studies, and work hard at being their best.

Listen on the phone.

Let your student share his or her likes, dislikes, achievements, failures or frustrations with you, without interruption, on the phone each week. Let him or her know that you care and give advice about problem-solving. Don't allow the conversation to become argumentative for or against going home. Instead, be helpful and encouraging, as if the issue of attending Norwich has already been resolved. Email can be a great medium for daily notes and reassurances.

Advise your Rook to adhere to the University’s guidelines.

This is the time in your student’s life when he or she must learn to work within the system and learn to take care of him or herself. Advise your student that he or she will be living in close quarters with students from many backgrounds, with different customs, habits, behaviors, study habits, and morals. He or she will adjust to most of these and even adopt some as they learn and grow together. However, he or she should be firm and diplomatic when he or she feels his or her rights, as a person, have been infringed upon.

Your student will continue to change while he or she matriculates at Norwich University. Each semester will offer new experiences, responsibilities and opportunities to challenge leadership skills. As partners in your student’s personal growth and academic success, we want you to always feel free to contact us:

For concerns/questions regarding civilian residential or commuter students’ contact:

nureslife@norwich.edu or call 802.485.2643

For concerns/questions regarding Rooks contact:

cmdtoff@norwich.edu or call 802.485.2135