One of the words most closely associated with university life is homesickness. Perhaps you’re an international student moving thousands of miles away. Maybe you’ve moved an hour away from your hometown. Anyone, no matter the situation, can feel homesick. University may be the first time you are living away from your social network, making your way into the world as your own person. Even if you aren’t homesick, it is common to feel lost and lonely.
More than half of university students feel homesick. It is likely that people you see enjoying student life feel homesick too – you are not alone. On the bright side, since this is a common experience there are various tried and tested ways to cope and feel better. Here are my tips for dealing with homesickness or loneliness at university:
Regular calls with people from home can help instil a sense of comfort when you’re homesick. Your friends and family may be busy with their own lives, and it may take a while to fall into a routine of checking up on each other. You can use when2meet to match schedules and download Locket to send video updates.
Stepping out of your comfort zone will let you start afresh with a new social network. Chat with your flatmates in the kitchen, talk to your classmates and go to events. There are many religious and cultural societies to meet people with the same background and experiences as you to help feel a sense of community.
Explore your surroundings. Take a walk around the lake, study in a campus café, or explore the Reading town centre. A sense of familiarity is one step closer to feeling at home in a new place.
Having a routine can help become more easily accustomed to big life changes, especially when this is something you used to do at home – like going to the gym or sketching every day.
There may be times when you are alone and cannot do anything about it. These are excellent opportunities to learn to enjoy your own company. Have a cosy night in with a movie and snacks, or go out and explore somewhere new. University is not only about building connections but also about learning who you are.
If your feelings of homesickness are significantly affecting your daily life, you can speak to a professional – your GP or the Wellbeing and Counselling Team. You can now also access the 24-hour Student Support Helpline. This is available 24/7, free of cost, for any worries you may be facing.
Finally, be patient with yourself. You won’t get over homesickness in a day, or sometimes even a few months – but I promise that it will get better with time. Whenever I feel lonely or homesick, I remind myself that this is a small part of making my own way in the world, and the independence I will feel in the long-run will be far greater than the pain of being alone.
If you’re homesick right now, read the University’s Guide to Wellbeing and start by trying out one tip to see if it makes you feel better.