This dissertation responds to two aspects of the homesickness literature: its characterization as a mental health concern, and its lack of empirical attention in the United States. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical understanding of homesickness oriented to an affirming and sociocultural lens, and to do so in the context of current higher education settings in the U.S. Using grounded theory and arts-based inquiry methodologies, homesickness was explored from multiple perspectives by using participant data. The results challenge previous deficit-oriented theoretical frameworks of homesickness, noting it instead as a natural developmental process the participants underwent as a part of their college transition experience.