Homesickness at Uni: How to Cope
Homesickness is a common feeling for many students who are away from home for the first time. It can be difficult to adjust to an unfamiliar environment, make new friends, and manage your independence.
However, there are things you can do to cope with homesickness and make the most of your university experience. Check out these tips if you’re feeling missing home.
Stay connected
Make time to talk to your family and friends regularly. You can call, text, video chat, or write letters. Social media can also be a great way to stay connected but remember not to rely solely on this. People tend to post their highlights on social media, and this may mean you’re more out of the loop.
Get involved
Getting out and having distractions can help you to be present, live in the moment, and enjoy your time.
Participating in clubs, societies, and sports teams can help you meet new people and make friends. It can also give you a sense of belonging and purpose. Fun can help to beat homesickness, so try to immerse yourself to make the most of what’s going on at uni.
Volunteering can also help you meet new people and make a difference in your community.
Create a comfortable living space
Even if you’re only staying in a place for a year, that’s quite a long time. Make your flat or wherever you’re staying feel like home. Decorate it with things that remind you of your family and friends like photographs. Use things like clear Blu Tack to attach things to walls instead of pins so your deposit isn’t affected.
Explore your new town or city
There are always new things to see and do if you’ve moved away from home for university. Take some time to explore your new city and discover all it has to offer. Getting familiar with your new whereabouts can help you to feel more comfortable in the area and make it feel more like home.
Take care of yourself
Eat healthily, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. Taking care of your physical health can help you feel better mentally and emotionally and better able to cope with feelings of homesickness.
Create a comfortable routine to help you feel safe. This could involve listening to your favourite music, watching a movie, or taking a bath.
Writing in a journal can be a great way to express your feelings and work through your emotions.
Practice mindfulness. Mindfulness can help you to be more present and aware of your thoughts and feelings.
Give yourself time
It takes time to adjust to a new environment. Be patient with yourself and don’t expect to feel completely at home right away.
Feeling outside your comfort zone means you’re experiencing new things and growing. It can be scary, but know these feelings won’t last forever.
Talk to someone
If you’re feeling homesick, it’s important to talk to someone about it. Reach out to a friend, family member or counsellor who can provide you with support and advice.
At university, your tutors or lecturers will be able to guide you and suggest university-specific support that is on offer.
You can also talk to a Meic adviser for free, confidential, and non-judgement support from 8am to midnight every day. Chat with us by phone, WhatsApp message, text or online chat.
