Hi Crystal,
I'm really glad to hear you're doing better! I moved pretty far away from Uni and couldn't get home much, and I found it really hard at times. Here's my general advice for anyone else who may be struggling with homesickness now that the excitement of freshers has worn off:
- Have regular phonecalls/ FaceTimes/ videos with your friends and family from home: Lots of your friends may have also moved away for uni so it's fun to keep each other up to date on your different experiences. It's easy for all of you to get whisked away into the new experiences you're beginning, so it can be comforting and grounding to have check-ins with the people who've known you for years.
- Get into a routine: You've just been thrown out of what may have been the same routine you've always had. This can feel really daunting, so it's nice to try and get settled into a routine that is new but also familiar. Uni classes and household chores (including the weekly shop!) will help with this, but nice things like a regular coffee shop order, or a walking route will help with this. I always loved an evening walk back home, so I had to find a route I liked in Liverpool so that I could start walking in autopilot again as if I was in my hometown!
-Throw yourself into it: The classic advice for a reason. There is so much to do that time will be flying by for you anyway. Try to take on any new experiences that you can handle! But...
-Take care of yourself: there's a lot of pressure to be on every night out, joining every society, going to every campus event, for the fear of missing something, or not doing uni "right". It's equally important to know when you just need some alone time, curled up in your room watching your childhood comfort show.
-Decorate your room: we all have different styles, but I loved the opportunity to create a really colourful and cosy space. I felt really 'at home' in my dorm room by the end of the year, and was sad to leave. This space is your sanctuary so don't underestimate the power of decorations and a few home comforts!
-Try and stay in your new city for as long as possible, but remember you can always go home: There were times I was desperate to go home, but the time really does fly and you'll be back before you know it. I think that if I'd gone home earlier I may have struggled to come back again! Having said that, knowing that you have the option is always really comforting, especially if you don't live far. A little weekend at home to recharge could be exactly what you need, and a nice thing to have booked in
.-Chat to your new friends/flatmates: it's likely that you're all feeling different versions of the same thing. Remember you're all in this together.
I've now lived in Liverpool for 5 years and it's really become my second home. That feeling isn't made overnight, it'll come with time and new memories being made. Best of luck to you, and anyone else dealing with the same!