Top 10 things to do to combat homesickness

Adjusting to university life can take time!

Starting a new independent life is very exciting and full of fun, new opportunities, but it doesn't take away the feeling of missing your family and hometown friends. 

Homesickness is the feeling of longing for your home during an absent period from it. Sometimes that feeling is attached to people, pets, and personal objects.

Here are 10 things you can do to combat homesickness whilst you adapt to university life.

1. Personalise your space 🛏️

The most helpful thing you can do to feel more at home while living in your accommodation is to personalise and decorate your space. 

• Fill your pinboard with photos of family and friends
• Add fairy lights
• Bring your favourite cosy blankets
• Put little trinkets and personal items around the room to surround you with comfort
• Put a plant on your desk, windowsill or shelf to brighten the area

2. Establish a daily routine ☀️

Whilst uni life typically comes with late nights and lie-ins, it can be a good idea to get a general structure down for your typical day-to-day. This could be waking up every weekday at 8:30am (depending on when your lectures are), having lunch and dinner around the same time and setting a bedtime. Doing this will prevent you from bed rotting, especially when you start to feel homesick. Getting up and following your daily structure can bring a sense of normality to your new days.

3. Keep yourself busy 📝

We're not saying book up all your free time, but if you're sitting on your bed wondering what to do with your day, you can split your time up into blocks:

This kind of routine includes time for studying, self-care and movement, social connection, hobbies and brain-off relaxation, and it allows you to be productive!

4. Connect with family ❤️

Schedule regular phone calls with family members and friends. It not only helps you keep in touch with everyone consistently, but it can also give you something to look forward to and an opportunity to speak up if you're struggling with anything.

5. Explore your local area 🌳

We know saying "go for a walk" isn't going to make your homesickness disappear in seconds, but getting familiar with your local area and surroundings can bring a sense of familiarity to your day-to-day life and bring a sense of comfort. Build out a mental map of your new environment, favourite coffee shop and your local shops.

6. Campus activities ☕️

Get involved with on-campus activities! It's a great opportunity to meet new people, explore parts of campus you might not have been to yet and try new things. You can also bring your flatmates and course mates too if you don't feel like coming on your own. Check out what we have to offer on campus:

7. Limit social media 📱

This can be easier said than done, but when you're struggling, especially with something like homesickness, social media can do more harm than good. It can be hard on your mental health to see what everyone from back home is doing at the moment, and you can feel like you're missing out. Limiting your social media time can actually help you focus more on the relationships you're starting at university and build connections where you are now. It's better to catch up with your hometown friends during the breaks and when you visit home than to spend hours scrolling through social media and remember that what you're seeing online is the best snippets of somebody's life.

8. Reach out to student support 🗣️

Our wellbeing team do everything to ensure you feel supported and safe in your halls and during your time at university. And to reassure you, they're very experienced in the homesickness category, so if you are struggling, please reach out to them for support or even if you just need someone to offload to, they are always there to listen. Homesickness is very common, and sometimes you just need to be reassured and reminded that it's okay to feel like that - it's completely normal.

9. Cook familiar food 🥘

When it comes to feeling homesick, one of the best things you can do for your mind and your health is to recreate a favourite home-cooked meal or try making a comfort meal while chatting to family over the phone. It can bring some peace to your mind whilst also ensuring that you're eating a good, substantial meal.

10. Perspective 🤔

Try to change your perspective. Whilst moving away can feel like you're leaving a part of your life behind, try to change your thinking to see university as a new journey. Those you love will always be there to support you regardless, and it's not for the rest of your life! Moving away can feel like this is it, forever, but it's good to remind yourself sometimes that this is just a stepping stone to your future, and your loved ones are cheering you on.

You will get through this stage! Everyone's journey at university is so different, so try not to base your feelings on other people's. Some may be settled in on the first week. It may take others until after Christmas. Feeling homesick is completely normal, and we're here to support you in any way we can.