What’s the best way to deal with homesickness at university?

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One of the things that helped me the most with homesickness was just talking to my friends and family on the phone and making sure I felt like I was up to date with what was going on in their lives as I didn't like the feeling that I was missing out. I like FaceTiming my friends/family but also texting or just regular phone calls are nice too. If you have a group of friends, see if you can arrange a time where you can do a group call as this can be quite nice too if you are all free at the same time.

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In first year I also liked to try and have a plan of when I was next going to see my friends and family or go home as the way I knew when it was coming so I could fill my time before this and look forward to it, rather than being upset because I didn't know when I would next be going home. Of course if you live further away from your uni (I am only around an hour from mine), it might be a while but at least you will know!

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If you have any friends that also go to uni, see if you can arrange with them a time when you can go and visit them as it is fun going to see your friends at different universities and it's nice to see your friend again and catch up with them.

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I also like having photos of friends and family in my room and also having nice decorations like lights, pillows etc to make my room feel more like my room at home as sometimes the accommodation rooms can all feel the same and not very homely.

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Keeping yourself busy is a good idea too to take your mind off how you are feeling. Make sure you are going to uni, maybe join a society or the gym and arrange fun things to do with your friends!

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If you are really struggling with feeling homesick or just struggling in general, make sure you go and talk to someone about it. The wellbeing team at your uni can be really good people to speak to about how you are feeling and they will be used to helping people with this so they will have some good help and support for you.

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Make your new home feel like a home, decorate and put up photos, make the space feel like a home away from home

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Call home! People often think this will make things worse, but if you are super close with your family (like me) and feeling homesick, they can be the best people to cheer you up

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Get involved - if you find yourself sitting around and missing home a lot, try filling your time with societies and friendships, home will still be there when you get back

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Whenever I move back to university, I make sure to bring a bunch of decorations for my room. I always bring photographs to put up, my fairy lights, some blankets, and anything else that brings me comfort and reminds me of the people I love the most.

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As well as adjusting to new class and assignment schedules, I think it is super important to make time to contact those back home. It might be a quick text everyday or a phone call once a week, but it all makes a difference with how you feel!

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Something that also makes a difference and helps time go by quicker is planning for when you visit home. For example, are there Christmas events that you'd like to go to in your hometown? Are there friends and family you haven't seen that you would like to meet up with? Making plans for the future gives you something to look forward to and really helps with negative feelings.

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Staying busy and making the most of each moment at university is equally as important as any of these. Remind yourself how far you've come, how hard you've worked, and how much you deserve to be there. Your loved ones back home are certainly cheering you on, so try your hardest and have fun!

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regular calls home just for a chit chat or catch up, it really motivated me in 1st year!

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joining a variety of clubs and societies to keep yourself busy - this keeps your mind off of things a bit as well as doing your uni degree!

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bring specific things that remind you of home (blanket, teddy etc)

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plan in advance when you are going to go home so you have it to look forward to!