How to handle homesickness without isolating yourself at university?
Hi there,
With results day here, some of you may be worrying about next steps...
Choosing to come to university can be daunting, and one of the things you may be worrying about is homesickness! This is completely understandable, and you will obviously need some time to settle, get oriented to a new place, and meet new people.
But sometimes it's easier to isolate yourself, right?? Here are some top tips to combat isolation, homesickness, and the best ways to get used to a new place:
1. Make the first move - Examples include saying a quick 'hi' or 'hello' to people in your lectures or the queue for your quick morning coffee before that 9 AM lecture. As scary as it sounds, everyone is in the same boat as you, and hearing someone else make the first move can be quite comforting!
2. Make the most of Fresher's Week - Fresher's Week is a brilliant way to meet new people who like similar hobbies and interests to yourself. You can do this by joining a society or taking up many opportunities that your Student Union offers.
3. Keep your door open (literally!) in halls - If you're like me and a bit of a social butterfly, a simple act such as keeping your door open in your student accommodation halls room, creates a warm and open environment which gives your new flatmates a brilliant opportunity to say hello and start a conversation!
4. Explore your new area - Just because you're moving to university, doesn't mean that you need to exclude yourself from getting to know your local area. Take the time to get to know where your local amenities are, some new shops, the local gym, or a local cafe.
5. Mix in familiar comforts - Bring things from home, such as photos of family and friends, a comfy blanket, a book full of family recipes, or your favourite mug. Having things you know well can help break the ice of starting somewhere new.
6. Manage expectations - It's important not to let your own expectations compromise your experiences at university. You won't necessarily meet your new best friend in the first week of university; these things take time, and that's okay!
7. Use campus support if you're struggling - it's okay to feel down, use your university's wellbeing team if necessary. Don't be scared to ask for help!
Hope these tips help, feel free to add your own!
Han - 3rd Year MH Nursing Student
WrexhamUniReps
With results day here, some of you may be worrying about next steps...
Choosing to come to university can be daunting, and one of the things you may be worrying about is homesickness! This is completely understandable, and you will obviously need some time to settle, get oriented to a new place, and meet new people.
But sometimes it's easier to isolate yourself, right?? Here are some top tips to combat isolation, homesickness, and the best ways to get used to a new place:
1. Make the first move - Examples include saying a quick 'hi' or 'hello' to people in your lectures or the queue for your quick morning coffee before that 9 AM lecture. As scary as it sounds, everyone is in the same boat as you, and hearing someone else make the first move can be quite comforting!
2. Make the most of Fresher's Week - Fresher's Week is a brilliant way to meet new people who like similar hobbies and interests to yourself. You can do this by joining a society or taking up many opportunities that your Student Union offers.
3. Keep your door open (literally!) in halls - If you're like me and a bit of a social butterfly, a simple act such as keeping your door open in your student accommodation halls room, creates a warm and open environment which gives your new flatmates a brilliant opportunity to say hello and start a conversation!
4. Explore your new area - Just because you're moving to university, doesn't mean that you need to exclude yourself from getting to know your local area. Take the time to get to know where your local amenities are, some new shops, the local gym, or a local cafe.
5. Mix in familiar comforts - Bring things from home, such as photos of family and friends, a comfy blanket, a book full of family recipes, or your favourite mug. Having things you know well can help break the ice of starting somewhere new.
6. Manage expectations - It's important not to let your own expectations compromise your experiences at university. You won't necessarily meet your new best friend in the first week of university; these things take time, and that's okay!
7. Use campus support if you're struggling - it's okay to feel down, use your university's wellbeing team if necessary. Don't be scared to ask for help!
Hope these tips help, feel free to add your own!
Han - 3rd Year MH Nursing Student
WrexhamUniReps
Also, join different societies can help meet different people.
Plus making course group chats with coursemates and for group projects helps getitng to know coursemates better (I think I was in one for every module
).
The door one is a great idea in theory, although all the doors I had for my accommodation were fire doors and were quite hard to keep open even though I tried
I think if they hadn't been fire doors I would have kept it open more.
Plus making course group chats with coursemates and for group projects helps getitng to know coursemates better (I think I was in one for every module
). The door one is a great idea in theory, although all the doors I had for my accommodation were fire doors and were quite hard to keep open even though I tried
I think if they hadn't been fire doors I would have kept it open more.(edited 2 months ago)
Reply 2
Some brilliant advice here, thanks for sharing!
I’d also suggest that during induction week, you could invite a few coursemates for something casual, like grabbing a coffee after class or heading to lunch together, and maybe set up a group chat to stay connected.
It’s also worth checking if your accommodation has a residential assistant (or similar student mentor). They’re usually an older student who lives in halls, has been through the same thing, and can offer great advice if you’re feeling homesick.
Megan (LJMU Rep)
I’d also suggest that during induction week, you could invite a few coursemates for something casual, like grabbing a coffee after class or heading to lunch together, and maybe set up a group chat to stay connected.
It’s also worth checking if your accommodation has a residential assistant (or similar student mentor). They’re usually an older student who lives in halls, has been through the same thing, and can offer great advice if you’re feeling homesick.
Megan (LJMU Rep)
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