Homesick!

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Course connections: Even if you don’t plan to socialise much outside of uni, making small connections with coursemates is useful for potential group work assignments, or building networks. A simple “Do you mind if I sit here?” in a lecture is usually enough to start.

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University activities: Societies and sports clubs are open to all students, and there’s no age limit. If nothing suits your interests, you could even start your own. Local hobby groups or community clubs outside campus can also be a good option.

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Other opportunities: Part-time work, volunteering, seminars, and academic events provide structure and give you ways to engage with university life without a heavy focus on socialising.

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Wellbeing support: Most universities have wellbeing or student support teams available. You can usually book one-to-one appointments for practical advice and strategies to manage adjustment alongside studies.

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Remember that your home will ALWAYS be there waiting for you. When you feel anxious during the day, just remember that at the end of your day you will be back at home with your loved ones and feel a lot better.

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It might feel uncomfortable at the time, but try and reach out to a few people from your course. Perhaps suggest going for coffee after a lecture or going to the library to do some group study for a bit or chat about the lecture content.

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Have you considered joining a society? I know this is thrown around as a solution to all problems, but it really is a great way to meet people and do something fun and positive outside your work.

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Keep in regular contact - send regular texts to your wife/friends back home. perhaps take photos of any pretty or fun things you see on campus and share those. Knowing your loved ones are there for you will hopefully bring you some connection to home and make you feel less worried.

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Have you spoken to your uni's wellbeing team about how you're feeling? If you're feeling regularly sick, they may be able to get you some counselling for a few weeks to give you strategies to manage your difficulties.