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Lifestyle

Dealing with feeling homesick whilst at Uni

By ResidenceLifeAssistant 20 Jan 2023

University can be tough and the last thing you want is to be missing home while you deal with the stresses of lectures and coursework. However, feeling a bit homesick when you arrive at university is completely normal. For many students, this might be the first time you’ve been on your own, fending for yourself, doing your own laundry and even your own shopping. To help you settle in, use these top tips from students and you’ll be feeling at home in no time. But never fear because ResLife is here with a few suggestions on how to feel right at home in no time.

1. Make a new home

One of the first things you could do is to start by making your new living space your own space. As you'll be spending a lot of time either chilling or studying in your room, it might be a good idea to get it just the way you like it. Maybe you could buy some decorations or bring some objects from home. In the first few weeks of term, there will be plenty of opportunities to acquire posters and other items from events and stores. Before you know it, you’ll have turned your plain room into a cosy nest that you can relax in.

2. Get offline and explore

You may have the urge to remain safely locked up in your room but you could benefit from putting the phone down and venturing out into your new surroundings. You have a brand new environment that’s waiting to be explored. Go out and take pictures. Visit the local landmarks and bring back a trophy or souvenir from your travels. Then you’ll have something interesting to share with friends and family when you do go back on Instagram or Snapchat.

3. Get organised

The first few days and weeks are probably going to be the most hectic, and it’s here that you may feel a bit lost. By sorting your weeks out with a simple timetable, you’ll feel like you’re more in control of what’s going on. A simple, yet very effective step.

4. Look after yourself

Your mental and physical health are linked so if you start neglecting your physical health, your mental health could start to go downhill too. It sounds simple but getting enough sleep, eating healthily and getting some exercise can really help to boost your well-being. Cooking is a terrific way to bond with your flatmates or roommates. Discuss your favourite recipes, make dinner time a group event or take turns cooking. You will stay healthy, make friends, and start your own home routines.

5. Give yourself time

If you don't love university the second you step on to campus, that is. Some students will take to university life like a fish to water, but if you take a little longer, there is no shame in that. It is quite a big life adjustment to make in so many ways, so don’t pressure yourself to settle in immediately.

Do not be alarmed if in the first term you don’t have any issues and then find yourself feeling homesick later on in the year. Homesickness can strike at any time, even during your final year, so don’t be too hard on yourself if it does happen to you. Remember you are not alone

And with that, we reach the end of our article. Thank you for reading through to the end. We hope you've enjoyed reading through some of these suggestions and that they can help you feel a little less alone.