It is normal to miss family, or friends and things familiar at home after your arrival at Bates. If these thoughts are strongly felt for a while, a talk with the International Student Advisor can provide understanding as well as several helpful suggestions to alleviate these feelings and thoughts. Often, new students respond to this by speaking with roommates and friends while arranging a steady study schedule and attending a regular slate of activities. Though it is not possible to say or predict when homesickness subsides, it does, usually sooner rather than later.