Homesickness at Uni

For many students, overcoming homesickness and creating a support network throughout their time at university might be difficult. Students who are away from home for the first time frequently experience homesickness, which can present as a variety of emotions like as loneliness, anxiety, and sadness. However, there are a number of strategies for overcoming homesickness and creating a support network while in University.

1. Staying connected

Its important to stay in touch with family and friends back home and feel connected with them via social media and video calls, for example watching a movie together online. Sometimes speaking to family after a long period could be the best stress relief. Another good strategy is to send and receive care packages to each other as a new family/friend tradition, maybe there are special sweets or products only found in your home area that you can receive.

2. Involvement in your new home away

Getting involved in campus activities is a great way to meet new people, try new things, and make the most of your university experience. The student union offer great opportunities to join the many different societies across the university that cover everything from academic subjects to hobbies and interests and join their events and activities.

Cardiff University's student union organise ''give it a go'' events throughout the year that take students to trips around the country and Europe. This is a great opportunity to meet students in the trips whilst learning about the culture and history of the surrounding locations and offers a good change of environment. Get more involved here.

3. Getting professional support

Take advantage of the available counselling and mental health services provided by the university for assistance that can provide support and guidance for a variety of issues such as stress, anxiety and depression. The services provided also support with academic, personal, or financial needs.

It's important to remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are struggling with any aspect of your university experience, don't hesitate to reach out for support. You can often find information about these resources on the university intranet, or by contacting Student Connect.

4. Routine

By organising a feeling of structure and direction, establishing a daily routine might help you feel more at home in university. Here are some guidelines for establishing a daily schedule:

Put rest first. Sleep is essential for your physical and mental health, so make sure you receive plenty of it.

Plan your day: Make a schedule or to-do list for the day, including classes, study time, meals, exercise, and leisure activities. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you have time for everything that's important to you.

Prioritize self-care: Make sure to include self-care activities in your daily routine. This can include things like exercise, meditation, journaling, or simply taking a few minutes to relax.

Be adaptable: Keep in mind that as you adjust to new classes and responsibilities, your routine may need to change. Don't get too caught up in keeping to a strict schedule, and be willing to change as necessary.

Maintain it: Make every effort to maintain your routine. Establishing new habits may take some time, so be patient with yourself and keep trying.

5. Conclusion

Building a support system is crucial for managing homesickness and ensuring a positive experience in university. Remember, it's normal to feel homesick, but with the right strategies and support, you can help yourself, easing it's effects and make the most of your university experience.