One minute you’re excited and happy in your new apartment or dorm room. The next minute you feel like you don’t fit in and you miss your friends. Maybe you’re worried that you’re needed back home.

Or maybe the social scene is great. When you’re out with friends, you don’t feel so lonely. How can you deal with it all?

Here are a few pointers:

Stay in touch with home. But keep in mind that if you talk to your mom or your friends at home all the time, you won’t have time to study or work—or make new friends.
When you feel “empty” or lonely, try to do something positive. Talk with a friend. Take a walk. Listen to music. Write in a journal.
Join a club on campus or a community activity. You’ll find people with interests like yours.
If you feel like things are out of control, get help. Don’t just retreat to your bed and stop showing up at work or classes. If you don’t know where to get help, ask someone you trust.