Moving away from home for the first time can be tough, whether you’re an hour from home or much further away. It’s a big change; new tutors, new friends, and new way of living. Just remember, you’re probably not the only one. I moved to Suffolk from Brighton.
It’s important not to let homesickness get in the way of enjoying uni life. Dealing with homesickness is the first step to getting uni life started, and you’ll soon be used to being away from home with our handy tips.
Get out there
Don’t stay in your room during Freshers' Week! Going to events (you don’t even have to go to the nights out, there are plenty of daytime and non-clubbing events) and talking to people will help you make friends and deal with homesickness. Talking to your flatmates in the kitchen, going to the student bar, and even Freshers' Fair is a great way to meet people.
Freshers' Week is the best week to meet people; remember that almost everyone is in the same position as you and won’t know anyone else. You could also join societies and sports groups during the year if you fancy meeting new people.
Keep in touch, but not too much
It can be so easy to call your parents every day, but don’t! It will make you feel more homesick and will stop you from socialising with your new friends. Call them every few days, and slowly reduce that amount to around once a week. Keep a good connection with your family, but don’t let it take over your uni life.
Talk about how you’re feeling
Talk to people about how you feel, whether it’s new friends, your tutor, or a member of support staff. No one will judge you for a perfectly natural feeling and they’ll be more than happy to give you tips and support you as you settle into uni.
Homesickness isn’t just something that occurs during your first year either, you can feel it at any time, especially when you come back to uni after the holidays or if you spend Christmas or Easter at university.
Make your room your own
It’s a chance to make your room your own when you come to uni. Bring some home comforts with you, like pillows and blankets from your own room, and treat yourself to some new decorations.
View university as a new chapter in your life. Even though the last chapter was good, it’s time for a new start and lots of new memories. You’ll still be in touch with your friends and family, but university is a chance to meet new people and have new experiences, and this will help you a lot when dealing with homesickness.
Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay
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