The Student Room Group

Homesick and Anxiety Life

Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:
Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:

Hey there,

I had the exact same feeling in my first year, and my main advice is to keep yourself busy. Attend different events, join student societies, attend student fairs, guest talks, university trips, and maybe get a part-time job. The time will fly by and you will enjoy every second of it 🙂 At least this was what I did and it really helped me!

Ilya,
Cyber Security student at De Montfort University
Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:

Hi there!

It's completely understandable to have some feelings of anxiety about being at university and living away from home. Remember you're not alone in this experience and there will be plenty of others feeling this way too. Reaching out to speak to people will really help, rather than keeping it all in your head, just like you've done here on this post 😊 whilst they feel far away your family are only a phone call away and the opportunity to go home to visit will always be there too, so remember that hasn't changed.

Surrounding yourself with new experiences and fun things to look forward to will really help with the transition and before you know it you'll be settled in. Some things to look forward to:

Speaking to your new flatmates, course mates, and all the new people arriving on campus

Joining societies and getting to try activities or experiences you haven't had before

University events to help you get to know others and break the ice with new friends

Welcome week, freshers fairs, freebies (!!) and stalls

Enjoying the amazing new scenery and world around you - from what I know of Bangor the environment around you is stunning and there will be lots of fun walks and places to explore 😍 I personally love to go walking and this could be a fab thing to invite new friends to do, or just to get some fresh air and time to yourself too! ⛰️🏞️


It is difficult moving to a new place and starting something new but I'm sure you will settle in with time. It may seem at times like everyone else is finding it easy but I can assure you there will be lots of people feeling similar emotions and with similar anxieties, particularly during this transition period. I know I felt a lot of anxiety about meeting so many people and what they might think of me but this is a really normal, human response and totally okay. I found the more I spoke to others about it the more I realised how common it is, we're all just doing our best 💝

Keep trying to speak to others and engage with this experience, reach out to friends and family and keep going 😁

All the best and look after yourself!

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

Reply 3

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:
Hey!

I didn’t personally move away for uni, but I did move out of my hometown at 18 to pursue my career, so I totally get how hard it feels being away from your family and everything familiar. Your family is your support system, so it’s completely normal to feel anxious when that safety net isn’t right there with you. You definitely won’t be the only one feeling like this, loads of people struggle with the same thing even if they don’t always say it out loud.

Keeping in regular contact helps massively. A quick call, FaceTime, or even planning your next trip back can give you something to look forward to and ease the homesickness a bit. At the same time, try to give yourself little pushes to get involved where you are. Freshers week and societies are great because everyone is in the same boat, not knowing anyone, wanting to make friends, and feeling a bit out of their depth. It’s the easiest time to meet people because everyone’s open to chatting and forming new groups.

The anxiety you’re feeling right now will settle once you get into a routine and start building those little pockets of comfort at uni, whether that’s flat dinners, study groups, or joining a society you enjoy.

And remember, you don’t have to figure it all out straight away. Take it one step at a time, be kind to yourself, and know that you’re not alone in this at all 🙂

Good luck! Sophie 🙂

Reply 4

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:

Hi @xstalx 👋

This is a normal feeling so dont worry too much about it. During my first week at Uni i felt homesick as well and went home that weekend since I just needed time to settle in. Once I got into my first week with classes I got used to being busy and settled in quicker especially when I met my first friend who is now my best friend there. It takes time to settle in!

Spending less time with family and feeling guilty in a way is actually very common with university students! It's good you are expressing these emotions though as it is good to talk it out. Talking to one person you are living with is a good start as you will slowly settle in so do not worry as much.

Making friends takes time but be comfortable and find good people, you can meet them anywhere actually. You dont have to join societies if you dont want to! I am not a big society person so last year I did worry about friends but I met my best friend in my class after we were both running late! I did also attend a couple of house parties in which I made friends as well. However even just making friends with your coursemates is helpful 😊

I hope this helps and good luck, you will be fine 🙂

Essex Student Rep - Lavanya 💜

Reply 5

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:
Hey there 👋

Nice to meet you! My name is Siobhan and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Lancashire 🎓 I’m sorry to hear that you’ve not been having the best time right now and I want to reassure you that you aren’t the only one who has felt like this.

Moving to uni is a massive change, and it's completely normal to feel anxious, homesick, or overwhelmed, especially in the first few weeks. I also found it really tough at first and found myself going home within the first couple weeks to see my mum more.

Even though it is hard right now, it does get easier once you start to have a routine and settle in to your surroundings.

It’s great to hear that you’ve spoken to someone about how you’re feeling and don’t be afraid to let your other flatmates know how your feeling, I did in my first couple weeks and I was surprises to find out how many others felt the same!

I would recommend bringing things from home to put up in you took to make it feel cosier, such as pictures with loved ones, a stuffed teddy and warm blankets to wrap yourself with at night 😊

You could also make a plan of things to do during the day to keep you mind of things like exploring the campus or going to the shops! This helped me get out of my head when things were hard and I was even able to find load of cute cafes and parks 🌳

If you are still struggling with your anxiety, which is completely understandable, then I would have a look at the wellbeing services that you uni offers. I went to counselling in second and third year and having that support really helped me 🙂 There are loads of people who will be there to guide you on this new change!!

I’m really glad that you’re reaching out and I hope I’ve helped a bit. Please let me know if you have any more questions as I’m more than happy to help!!

Siobhan (Student Ambassador for the University of Lancashire)

Reply 6

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:

Hi there @xstalx ,

I am so sorry to hear about your struggles with your anxiety and adjusting to living alone. It is totally natural to feel this way and is easy to feel overwhelmed in a totally new environment with unfamiliar faces 🤧 Many freshers will be in a similar position as you and this usually makes everyone a bit more open to make friends.
Once you are feeling more settled, take some small steps to step our of your comfort zone to speak to the people in your halls or class. There are usually many welcome activities and society events happening in the first few weeks of university that you may like to attend and it's also a great way to meet people outside of your course. 🤗
I wish you the best of luck in your university journey and I hope you get use to the rythme of uni life.

Zhi En
(Kingston Student Rep.)

Reply 7

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:

Hi there,

I completely understand how you are feeling and I felt the same when I first moved into uni too.

The first thing I would say is to try and stick with it. It will get better and once you settle in and start going to your lectures and getting in a bit of a routine, it does get better. You will also get lots of chances to meet people which is nice too and will help you to feel more settled.

If you haven't already, I would suggest having a look on Facebook as they often have groups on social media where you can meet lots of new people. There are often groups for your course, your uni, your halls etc so have a look as there may be some you can join.

I would also suggest thinking about joining a society. These are great ways of meeting new people and making friends, while doing something that you enjoy! They are really fun so maybe have a look online and see what is available to you and if there is anything you are interested in.

The SU also puts fun events on too so again have a look and see if there are any you are interested in! These are great ways of trying something new and meeting people too!

Try and stick it out if you can as it does get better. Just be yourself and chat to people as the likelihood is they will want to make friends too so will be willing to meet up and do things. You will find your people, even if it feels like it is taking longer than it should do.

I hope some of this helps,

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 8

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:


Hi,

I completely understand how you’re feeling. Moving away from home and starting university can be tough, especially when anxiety kicks in. Homesickness is really common, even if you’re excited about uni, so you’re definitely not alone.

A few things that may help:
Keep in touch with family in ways that feel manageable. FaceTime calls or messages can make a big difference.
Make your room feel comforting with familiar items, photos, or small routines.
Connect with flatmates or people in your course. Even small chats or shared meals can help you feel less alone.
Plan small outings or activities with new people to gradually get used to spending time away from home. Exploring the city, finding your favourite cafés, or discovering local spots can make your surroundings feel more familiar.
Use university wellbeing services if your anxiety feels overwhelming. They can offer support and practical strategies.

It takes time to adjust, and it’s completely normal to feel this way. Take small steps and be kind to yourself as you settle in.

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 9

Hi xstalx,
So sorry that you’re feeling this way 💙. We’ve talked a lot over the last few months, so I know you’ve been doing your research in order to try to settle in fast. It’s completely normal to feel like this, and hopefully things will start to feel better once you find your people and your place in the middle of everything 🌱.

Did you get the chance to attend any Welcome Week events? Have you joined any societies or volunteering projects yet?

I’d recommend visiting the Hub, which is located in the library (just walk through the Main Arts Quad) 📚. They have student advisors there who can recommend any services you might need.

It’s also worth popping into the SU - they’ll be able to point you toward suitable events and student groups. They used to run a lovely event called Connect @ Bangor’s Walk and Talk, which was great for those dealing with anxiety and wanting to meet new friends 🚶*♀️✨. The SU (Undeb Bangor) is on the 4th floor of Pontio.

There’s also some great advice in this thread, so I’d definitely follow that too.

Hope you settle soon and find your place 💫.
Thanks, Ffi 🙂

Reply 10

Original post
by xstalx
Hi. So I recently moved into uni, I came back home as I needed to make a second trip for some of my stuff. But I also felt terribly ill just thinking about spending less time with my family and being away from home and took it as an opportunity to spend a bit more time before having to stay at Uni. It’s not exactly down the road. My anxiety is so bad just thinking about it, I’m hoping it’ll settle. I’ve been talking to one person I’ll be living with. Did anyone else suffer with this? I just don’t want it to affect what I’ve came to do but I don’t want to be on my own for the next several months. I’m going to Bangor, so if anyone else is to, please drop me a message :smile:

Hi @xstalx 👋

That is completely fine, it is normal to feel that way! I suggest finding ways to relax and distract yourself like going on a walk, going out with friends and watching a movie or so. You will settle in soon, it is like that in the beginning days!

Essex Student Rep- Lavanya 💜

Reply 11

Original post
by Bangor Uni
Hi xstalx,
So sorry that you’re feeling this way 💙. We’ve talked a lot over the last few months, so I know you’ve been doing your research in order to try to settle in fast. It’s completely normal to feel like this, and hopefully things will start to feel better once you find your people and your place in the middle of everything 🌱.
Did you get the chance to attend any Welcome Week events? Have you joined any societies or volunteering projects yet?
I’d recommend visiting the Hub, which is located in the library (just walk through the Main Arts Quad) 📚. They have student advisors there who can recommend any services you might need.
It’s also worth popping into the SU - they’ll be able to point you toward suitable events and student groups. They used to run a lovely event called Connect @ Bangor’s Walk and Talk, which was great for those dealing with anxiety and wanting to meet new friends 🚶*♀️✨. The SU (Undeb Bangor) is on the 4th floor of Pontio.
There’s also some great advice in this thread, so I’d definitely follow that too.
Hope you settle soon and find your place 💫.
Thanks, Ffi 🙂

Hi there! Yes you've helped so much with a lot of my questions and worries! As of right now, I would like to say I'm doing alright now that I've got my routine with lectures and etc. I joined a few societies, the ZooSoc and Endevour and a couple others. I started going to the talks and I cant wait to get more involved. Family came down to see me for the day today to which was really nice. I didnt think I'd settle as quick as I did but I'm glad I have. I've spoken to my personal tutor and my peer guide so thats helped to. I should have an appoitment with a wellbeing supervisor soon so I get better rather than worse.

Thank you so much Ffi!

Crystal <3

Reply 12

Hi Crystal,

I'm so happy to hear that you are doing better and that time has helped. Remember that there are plenty of ways the university can help and you should never keep this to yourself. Starting in a new place away from family can be scary, so it's totally normal to feel this way, but it doesn't mean that we want you to feel this way. Please feel free to reach out, I've been a student here and a staff member for many years I have plenty of tricks up my sleeve!!

Thanks

Ffi

Reply 13

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!

Reply 14

Hi There,
I'm sorry to hear about these nerves, homesickness is really difficult especially when you are living somewhere quite far away.

I've noticed this post is a few weeks old, so I'm hoping you've been able to settle in a bit by now, but here's some advice if you need it:

Join Clubs and Societies- These clubs and societies will help you find activities to fill your time. Find one that you are interested in and you should be able to make friends within the society that you can spend time with whenever you feel homesick.
Attend Student Union Events- The more you go out and attend events, the less time you have to feel homesick, so go to any events the university or Student Union put on for you.
Check Your University Advice and Wellbeing Team- What does the university offer you? Some universities have counselling services and advice and wellbeing sessions and staff to support you if you feel homesick. Additionally, you can speak to your personal tutor and they should be able to offer you some guidance.
Get A Railcard- I like to go home every 2-3 weeks and a 18-25 railcard has been a lifesaver, it has made train journeys much more affordable, so it could possibly help you travel home more often if it's something you want to do.
Call Friends and Family- With the modern age of technology, your family are just a call away, make time to face time or talk to them on the phone when you miss them. I know it's not the same as seeing them in person, but it really helps.

I hope some of these tips help, moving away from home can be difficult especially if it's for the first time.

All The Best
From Josh
Official LJMU Student Rep

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