Combating Homesickness: Strategies For University Students' Wellbeing

Homesickness is a common experience for university students, especially during the first few months of their first year. It can be challenging to cope with feelings of loneliness and missing home, but there are several strategies that can help prevent and manage homesickness. Here are some ways to address this issue and ensure a smoother transition to university life.

Staying connected with friends and family back home

Staying connected with friends and family is an important part of managing homesickness at university. Here are some ways to stay connected:

• Schedule regular catch-ups: Plan times to talk with your loved ones back home. This could be through phone calls, video calls, or text messages. It is important to stay in touch, but also to avoid becoming overly reliant on these scheduled chats. Try to balance staying connected with meeting new people and having new experiences at university.
• Use various communication tools: In addition to phone calls and text messages, you can use video calling platforms, instant messaging apps, or even send letters and postcards to stay in touch.
• Share your experiences: Talk to your friends and family about your university experiences, both the positives and the challenges. Sharing your thoughts and feelings can help you feel more connected and supported.
• Maintain a routine: Establish a daily routine in your new university life, just as you had at home. This can include simple things such as going to bed at a similar time each night, attending classes regularly, and participating in club meetings or other activities on a weekly basis.
• Involve your loved ones: If there are specific activities or hobbies you miss from home, try to find ways to incorporate them into your university life. For example, if you enjoyed playing a sport at home, consider joining a sports team at university. If you miss cooking certain meals, try recreating those recipes or finding a local restaurant that serves similar dishes.
• Be mindful of the frequency: While staying connected is important, excessive communication with your friends and family back home can intensify feelings of homesickness. Try not to let it get to the point where you are communicating more with people back home than with your new university peers.

Creating a comfortable living space

Bring Familiar Items

Bring items that remind you of home and make you feel comfortable. This could include your favourite bedding, photos of family and friends, or any trinkets or mementos that hold sentimental value. If you have a particular comfort item, such as a teddy bear or a blanket, make sure to bring it with you. These familiar items will help to personalise your new space and make it feel more like home.

Decorate Your Space

If you have your own room, take the time to decorate it to your liking. Hang up posters or pictures that make you happy, and feel free to get creative with lighting, rugs, or other decorative items that reflect your personality. If you are sharing a room, involve your roommate in the process. Decorating together can be a fun activity that helps you bond and feel more comfortable in your shared space.

Create a Homely Atmosphere

Consider adding some cosy touches to your living space, such as soft blankets, comfortable cushions, or a warm lamp to make the room feel inviting. You could also bring your favourite snacks or drinks from home, or even try recreating some family recipes to evoke a sense of familiarity and comfort.

Make it Functional

Ensure your living space has everything you need to live comfortably. This includes basic necessities such as a comfortable bed, a functional desk or study area, and adequate storage for your belongings. A functional and well-organised space can help reduce stress and make you feel more settled.

Personalise Your Space

Add personal touches that reflect your interests, hobbies, and personality. Display items that showcase your passions, whether it's a musical instrument, artwork, plants, or collectibles. Making your space your own can help you feel more connected and established in your new environment.

Remember, creating a comfortable living space is an important step in preventing homesickness, but it's also crucial to get out and explore your new surroundings, stay connected with friends and family back home, and take advantage of the support services offered by your university.

Maintaining a positive attitude

• Acknowledge your feelings: It's normal to feel homesick, especially when moving away for university. Don't beat yourself up about it or feel guilty. Give yourself time to feel those emotions, but then actively try to shift your mindset towards the positives of your new life.
• Focus on the good things: Make a conscious effort to remind yourself of all the good things about being at university. Write down a list of positive things that happen each week, such as new things you've learned, opportunities you've gained, and new friends you've made.
• Smile: Even if you don't feel like it, make yourself smile. It might sound silly, but it can actually help lift your mood and improve your outlook.
• Stay healthy: Taking care of your physical health can have a big impact on your mental health. Eat well, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. Avoid turning to comfort foods or unhealthy coping mechanisms, as this will only make you feel worse in the long run.
• Plan enjoyable activities: Schedule things you enjoy into your day so you have things to look forward to. This could be socialising with friends, trying out a new hobby, or simply relaxing with your favourite TV show. Having a mix of social activities and downtime can help keep your mood positive.
• Connect with others: Staying positive makes you more approachable and will help you make new friends. Building a support network at university will also give you a sense of belonging and help combat homesickness.
• Seek professional help if needed: If you're struggling to maintain a positive attitude and feel like your homesickness is impacting your mental health, don't hesitate to reach out for professional help. Many universities offer counselling services and mental health support, so take advantage of these resources if you need them.

Getting involved in extracurricular activities

Explore different clubs and organizations

Colleges and universities offer a wide range of clubs and organizations that cater to various student interests, such as sports, performing arts, debate, and intramural sports teams. Joining these clubs or attending events on campus can be a great way to meet people with similar interests and try new things. This will help take your mind off missing home and provide a sense of belonging in your new community.

Take up a sport or physical activity

Engaging in physical activity is not only beneficial for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. Joining a sports team or fitness group can help you stay active, meet new people, and provide a sense of camaraderie and teamwork. It can also be a great way to de-stress and improve your overall mood.

Participate in performing arts or creative groups

If you enjoy creative pursuits such as acting, dancing, singing, or playing an instrument, joining a performing arts group can be an excellent outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with like-minded individuals. These groups often work together towards a common goal, such as a performance or exhibition, which can foster a sense of community and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Volunteer in the local community

Volunteering is a fantastic way to give back to your new community, develop new skills, and meet people from diverse backgrounds. Look for volunteer opportunities that align with your interests and values, such as tutoring, environmental initiatives, or supporting local events. This will not only help you feel more connected to your community but also allow you to make a positive impact.

Join a student government or leadership group

Getting involved in student government or leadership groups can provide you with valuable leadership skills and a sense of ownership in your university community. These groups often work towards improving the student experience, organizing events, and representing the student body. This can be a great way to have a positive impact on your campus and develop valuable skills that will benefit you throughout your academic and professional career.

Remember, it is completely normal to feel homesick, and it is important to acknowledge and accept these feelings. By getting involved in extracurricular activities, you can take proactive steps to prevent homesickness and create a supportive network for yourself at university.

Knowing that your feelings are normal

Feeling homesick is a completely normal part of the university experience. In fact, studies have shown that around 70% of first-year students experience homesickness, and about 30% of all students experience it at some point. It's important to remember that you're not alone in these feelings and that they are valid.

Homesickness can arise at any time during your university career and is often linked to other stressors and a lack of social support. It can be triggered by the unfamiliarity of a new experience, your attitude towards that experience, your personality, and how much you wanted to move in the first place. It's also normal for homesickness to ebb and flow; you might not experience it at the beginning of your time at university, but that doesn't mean you won't feel it later on.

It's important to acknowledge and accept your feelings without judgement. Remind yourself that this is a common, normal experience for students leaving home, and give yourself permission to feel homesick. Remember that it's okay to not love university immediately and that it's a big life adjustment that can take time.

If you're struggling with homesickness, it can be helpful to talk to your family and friends back home. Share your feelings and concerns with them, and try to stay connected and involved in their lives. At the same time, focus on building new connections and social relationships at university. Join clubs, attend events, and get involved in activities that interest you to help take your mind off your homesickness and build a support network.

Remember that it's okay to not be okay, and if your homesickness is affecting your daily life or becoming overwhelming, reach out for professional help. Many universities offer counselling services and mental health resources to support students in managing their mental health.

Frequently asked questions