8 Things To Remember When You’re Homesick At Uni

Homesickness can strike at any time and is often utterly miserable. It can turn what should be an exciting time into something you can’t wait to get over with. It can seem as though everyone around you is having a great time and you’re left alone and friendless. So, next time you’re feeling homesick, remember these tips and start feeling better in no time! Do you feel homesick at uni?

1. Make your University into a Second Home

Photographed 09/27/2016. (photo: Katie Wall)

What’s better than having one home? Two, of course! Turn that slightly drab uni room into something you’re proud to stay in. Everyone always feels better when they’re staying somewhere nice. Tip: bring little trinkets from home to make your room even more cosy! Do you feel homesick at uni?

2. Remember you’re Not Trapped

While it is encouraged to stay at uni during term time, as long as you don’t miss any lectures or seminars, who’s to say you can’t pop home for a day or two to ease that horrid homesick feeling? This one isn’t as easy for those of you who live far away from your uni, but still doable if you plan ahead!

3. Make New Friends

Remember that making new friends doesn’t mean you’re replacing your friends from home who you have known for years and years. It’s always good to have a diverse bunch of friends, plus, being away from home for a while means you can catch up on all the goss when you return! Do you feel homesick at uni?

4. Take Advantage of your Setting

Whilst at university you are minutes away from opportunities that you might not have had at home – from career advice to cool student opportunities. Making a list of all the cool advantages of your university can make the setting a little less daunting!

5. Make Use of your Phone

Much like ET, being at university doesn’t stop you from being able to ‘phone home’. Scheduling regular calls with those at home or using Skype/Face Time can help you at the height of your homesickness. Nothing beats hearing your mum’s voice when you’ve had a bad day! Do you feel homesick at uni?

6. Appreciate your University

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When you feel so homesick you want to cry, it can be difficult to see the positives of your situation. However, remembering why exactly you decided to make the move to your university and what it can offer you can really bolster your confidence in the long run, and make you glad you chose to go there after all!

7. Go Team!

Get involved in a society or university-related activity. Not only will this help take your mind off things, you will be entering a whole new world of people, socials, and fun events you would never have been able to before – plus, you’ll be able to brag to your friends about your new hobby when you visit home. Do you feel homesick at uni?

8. Take a Moment to Breathe

Last but not least – a little reflection never hurt anybody. University is the start of the rest of your life. While it can be a little scary, just remember that nobody ever got anywhere by refusing to take a chance, and that you’ve done yourself a favour by moving away. Now, when you move out of your parents’ house, you’ll be armed with loads of helpful adulting tips!