Starting the College Experience |
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How to Deal with Homesickness |
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Leaving home to attend college is both exciting and challenging. Homesickness is very normal and is experienced by most students who leave home for the first time. Even if you have spent time away from home previously, you are not immune to loneliness, self-doubt, concentration difficulties, and preoccupation with home that characterizes homesickness. Here are some basic strategies which have proven effective for many students:
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Remember, homesickness is usually temporary - give yourself time to adjust.
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Get involved (with other students, classes, and student activities). The sooner you adapt to your new surroundings; the less intense your feelings of discomfort will become.
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Call or write home but avoid going home every weekend. This is especially important during the beginning of the school year when many clubs, organizations, and activities are just getting started. This is your opportunity to make new friends, many of whom are in the same boat.
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Talk out your feelings with a counselor, friend or resident assistant. Just giving voice to your feelings can sometimes provide a new perspective and create a sense of relief.
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Transfer students may think they know about college life and upper-level courses because they attended another university. However, you may suddenly find yourself feeling overwhelmed. If so, you are not alone. You are suffering from what is commonly referred to as "transfer shock," and because of it, many transfer students do not do as well academically in their first or second semesters at their new universities as they did at their previous schools. Here are some basic strategies which have proven effective for many students:
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Be goal-oriented - set long and short term goals for success.
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Take advantage of activities on campus to build a support network - USI is a new place with new demands and options. Get involved in at least one extra-curricular activity during your first semester.
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Monitor your own academic performance - act on the first feeling of uncertainty about course content. Talk to your instructors, go in to their office hours, and attend study sessions.
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Ask for help - Take advantage of Academic Skills, talk to your academic advisor or schedule time to meet with a counselor if you're feeling overwhelmed.
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Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) Resources |
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While most students will develop homesickness or transfer shock and move past it, in some cases, it can develop into something more extreme. If your situation becomes overwhelming, seek guidance from CAPS, they can help you assess the situation and plan to move forward.
Contact CAPS at 812-464-1867 to make an appointment or visit the CAPS website for self-help resources such as transitioning to college, mental health information, and more.
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Make sure your basic needs are met get enough sleep, eat enough food, drink enough water, exercise when you can, keep personal hygiene in mind.
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Recognize the sources of stress eliminate unnecessary stress, face stress head-on in a positive manner.
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Ditch technology for a day - it can truly clear your head!
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Overcome creative block through self-care give yourself a cognitive break and just walk away, remove distractions, change your scenery, do something that inspires you.
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Despite the myth of "all college students drink", according to university data, 73.8% of USI freshmen report NOT drinking when hanging out with friends. USI's policy prohibits alcohol and drugs on campus.
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Students who choose to go out and drink should do so in a responsible manner. Students are encouraged to eat before and while drinking, go out with trusted friends, and make plans to get home safely. Use USI's SAFE Ride if you need to get back to campus!
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The Recreation, Fitness, and Wellness Center (RFWC) offers many opportunities to exercise! Students can take a class or work out on their own! Find out more at the RFWC website.
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The University Health Center provides medical services and health-related information to students, faculty, and staff. They are located in the lower level of the Health Professions Center. For more information, visit the Health Center website or call 812-465-1250.
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University dropping mask mandate for vaccinated individuals
The University of Southern Indiana has followed the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance from the beginning of the pandemic. With the recent update to the guidance to allow for vaccinated individuals to resume activities they did prior to the pandemic; it is time for the University to pivot again.
Beginning June 9 and until further notice:
- Fully vaccinated individuals are not required to wear a face covering indoors or outdoors on campus. However, those who may be uncomfortable in a group environment where some or many may be unvaccinated, are encouraged to continue wearing a face covering.
- Those who are not vaccinated should continue wearing face coverings indoors.
- Those who are not vaccinated should continue wearing face coverings outdoors when distancing is not possible.
- Face coverings are required for all, regardless of vaccination status, when riding the METS busses or when visiting the University Health Center.
- Physical distancing of 3 feet or more is recommended whenever possible and continued regular hand sanitizing is recommended.
- USI strongly encourages all students and employees to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Immunity is the key to protecting us all.
The health and safety of the USI campus community remains our top priority. We continue to monitor the rapidly changing and ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks daily and follow the recommendations and guidance from Indiana government officials, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Indiana State Department of Health and local healthcare providers.
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On-Campus Housing Updates |
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In an effort to return to a more normal living environment, effective July 1, Housing and Residence Life has reinstated the guest policy as it was prior to
COVID-19. We want all students to have an engaging campus life experience. Our success depends on your continued attention to safety and following COVID procedures. View Fall Housing FAQs.
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Attend a Summer Open House
Students and their guests are invited to visit and explore our beautiful campus this summer. Students may register two guests, lunch will be provided and a COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be available as vaccines are available. Events and activities will be available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Remaining Open House Dates (Fridays): July 16 and July 30
Log in to my.USI.edu and click on the Screaming Eagles Orientation icon under Eagle Apps, and select Orientation Open House to register. Sign up today as spots for each session are limited.
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Additional Orientation Programs |
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Topic Specific Zoom Series are held throughout the summer on Thursdays at 6 p.m. CDT. Students and families can participate in topic-specific sessions via Zoom to learn more about specific areas of campus.
Online Orientation will provide you and your family with information about advising, academic requirements, financial aid and billing, campus services and resources, and answer many other questions you might have about attending USI. You will complete this orientation at your own pace.
New Student Hangout Zoom Sessions are opportunities for you to hang out with other new and current students. This is a great way to get to know others and get your questions answered as you begin your USI adventure. These sessions will be on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. CDT starting July 27.
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Parent and Family Orientation |
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We will be offering a separate Virtual Parent and Family Orientation session while students will participate in a Screaming Eagles Orientation. This session will focus on meeting staff and faculty and answering your parent and family members' questions.
Online Orientation
We encourage parents and family members to go through this online orientation. To review all of the material, it will take you 2-3 hours to complete.
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Fight on, Screaming Eagles!
Fly your colors brave and true!
Relentless and storied, lead us to glory,
fight for the red, white and blue!
(RAH! RAH! RAH!)
Filled with strength and honor,
Show your spirit far and wide.
We ever hail thee, on to victory,
Our Southern Indiana Pride!
U-S-I!
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Campus Visit and Tour Information |
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In-person visits are available Monday through Saturday. Alternative visit options include drive-thru tours, virtual tours and appointments. We encourage students and their families to take advantage of these opportunities. Schedule a visit today.
If you have questions concerning visiting campus, email Undergraduate Admissions at enroll@usi.edu or call 812-465-7056.
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Financial Assistance And Billing |
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Student Financial Assistance
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Bursars (Student Payment Center)
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Academic Support Programs |
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Honors Program
Are you a curious, eager student who loves to learn and wants to be part of a like-minded community? Then you should join the USI Honors Program! We can be your home at USI. We’ll push you academically, and you’ll also find a great group of peers to join for social events and service opportunities.
TRIO Student Support Services (SSS)
Our student-centered program aims to prepare and empower our participants from the day they transition into college throughout their journey of earning their bachelor's degrees. From enrollment to graduation, the SSS staff is dedicated to offering individualized assistance that enhances participants' academic, personal, and professional potential.
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Student Spotlight - Kennedy Williams |
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