Experiencing a Loss While Away at College

By: Matthew Funeral Home
Monday, April 17, 2023

Losing a loved one can be devastating, but life does not always pause when you need it to. When away at college, you have to juggle grades, classes, a social life, and extracurriculars. Dealing with a death in the family can have a major impact on your life, especially when you are not surrounded by family and loved ones. If you experience a loss of a loved one while you are away at college, there are a few things you should consider. 

College Policies and Leaves of Absence

After a death in the family, you should reach out to the Dean of Students’ office regarding the school’s Leave of Absence policy. Generally, most colleges can excuse an amount of time for a death in the family. You may need to file paperwork with the office.
The dean’s office’s approval of your leave of absence can be important in the event that you have tests or project due dates approaching. 

Classwork and Your Professors

You should inform your professors if you are going to miss classes due to your loss. Generally, you should let them know in advance. Otherwise, a death in the family looks more like an excuse. Ask a friend or classmate to take notes for you. If possible, email any papers or homework you might have for the class, or discuss with your professor if an extension is needed.

Coming Home for the Funeral

If possible, try to come home for the funeral. Funerals are a time for families to grieve and process loss together. They provide closure, and having loved ones come together during hard times can be important. The days surrounding the funeral can often be overwhelming, and it helps to be in a familiar place surrounded by family and friends.

If you are Unable to Come Home

In the event that you cannot leave college to make the trip home, consider still taking some time to mourn. It can be easy to feel lonely while away from home. So be sure to reach out to some friends on campus for support. 

School Resources and Grief

Fortunately, many schools have grief counselors and therapy services available for their students. In many cases, their treatments are free. This can be a valuable resource for students, especially those struggling with grief. Consider visiting the counselor’s office to talk with someone about your grief. Some campuses will even have group grief counseling, which can be helpful for those who are feeling especially alone after their loss. 

The author of this post is not a professional therapist or counselor. For assistance in finding a grief counselor that is right for you, there are several resources out there. For our Grief Resource Center, written by Dr. Bill Webster, click here. 
For over 50 years, Matthew Funeral Home has been serving the Staten Island community. We can help with almost every aspect of your loved one’s memorial service. Our family is here to serve yours, every step of the way.

Leave a comment
Name*:
Email:
Comment*:
Please enter the numbers and letters you see in the image. Note that the case of the letters entered matters.

Comments

Please wait

Previous Posts

Tips for Pre-Planning Your Funeral

Pre-planning your funeral may seem strange, but it is a practice that can help you and your family in the future. People often see pre-planning a funeral as morbid, similar to how many people feel ...

Grief and Shorter Days

Grief and the associated feelings of depression can be a difficult burden to bear at times. Many studies have shown that sunlight and bright days can improve moods associated with grief and depress...

Funeral Flowers for Different Faiths

Faith and culture play a large role in the proper etiquette of a funeral service, and this also applies to the types of arrangements you should consider when sending flowers. Certain flowers and ar...

Could AI be a Tool For Grieving Families in the Future?

There is a lot of buzz around AI these days. And while the tools of artificial intelligence are still in their infancy, there is a lot of talk about its use in a variety of industries. AI could pot...

Reading and Grief

A book is a powerful tool. A good book can transport you to another world, or help you dive deep into your emotions. The right book can provide new ideas and unique perspectives. Reading books can ...

If You Pass Away Without a Will

If you are to die without taking the time to create a Will, there are procedures in place to handle your estate. Without a Will, your entire estate and all of your assets will enter intestacy. Inte...

Birthdays of Deceased Loved Ones

Birthdays are often a cause for celebration. But after the loss of a loved one, they can be a bittersweet reminder. Birthdays of the deceased don’t have to be somber days. Rather, they can be celeb...

Losing a Loved One to Drug Overdose

Drug overdose is a major cause of death in America, with over 100,000 deaths annually, according to the CDC. When you lose a loved one to an overdose, there can be a lot of mixed feelings surroundi...

Religious Trauma and Funeral Services

When grieving the loss of a loved one, religious services are often a part of the funerary process. While faith is not a requirement for grieving, faith-based services can often provide closure for...

The Importance of Close Friends After a Loss

It is easy to feel lost and alone after the loss of a loved one. Thankfully, you aren’t truly alone. Your friends are there to love and support you. Sometimes, all you have to do is reach out. Fri...