It’s common for students to feel homesick at the beginning of term. As an international student, I empathise with the challenges of being so far from home so would like to share my experience and tips to give you a helping hand.
During fresher’s week, you might think that everybody is having fun whilst you are alone and miserable in your room. This is not unusual. I for one can say I have shared similar thoughts. However, it is important to understand your feelings and know they’re completely natural; many students feel the same but hide it from others.
Whatever level of homesickness you may be feeling, here are my recommended steps to help you ease into uni life as quickly and easily as possible.
1. Adjusting your old habits to a new life
The best (and, for me, the most fun) part of the university is creating a new life. The best way to embrace this is to develop some familiarity in your daily routine and to do this I would recommend exploring the city. I had my dad with me during my first days in Exeter, and this made it a lot easier to settle in. Now that it is just me, I have found my own favourite places (such as a favourite coffee shop) to visit. Frequenting such locations helps me feel more comfortable in day-to-day life by giving me familiarity and reminding me of my dad.
To ease the transition into your new life, you should also make sure that you continue your old hobbies. Even though the university is about getting out of your comfort zone, you don’t have to force yourself to do new things. Instead it is important to balance old and new habits. Joining societies and meeting new people will help you create new memories, making you think more positively about the future, while continuing your old hobbies will give you security.
2. Keep in touch
From my experience, keeping in touch with your friends and your family from home is the best way to ease homesickness. Leaving home doesn’t mean starting all over again; friendship and family bonds are forever. I regularly facetime everyone to stay in touch and share my new life with them. Whilst talking about your feelings with people you trust helps you feel relieved and renewed, this doesn’t mean spending all your time online as it is really important take the opportunity to make new friends in your new city as well.
3. Find your ‘soul friends’
Meeting new people will also ease feelings of loneliness. A coffee date, dinner, or a house party will help you get to know other people. Everyone is still trying to find their ‘soul friend’ so it is never too late to reach out to new people. Establishing friendships does require commitment so, even if you don’t click straight away, give yourself and other people time for bonds to develop. Don’t be shy about inviting new people to study or chat with you. In most cases they are in the same boat as you and are looking for someone to talk to as well.
4. Be kind to yourself
The steps I’ve mentioned are mostly about what works for me but this is not the same for everyone. Everyone goes through homesickness at their own pace, and scheduling ‘me’ time or a ‘self-care day’ may help you to rejuvenate and relax. It is also important to be kind to your body by eating nutritious meals, drinking lots of water, and keeping active. I find yoga a particularly useful way to keep active and calm the mind which is perfect if you are feeling down. Looking after our physical health really helps to develop a positive mindset and ease feelings of homesickness so it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Hopefully this article makes you feel better if you are experiencing homesickness. The most important thing to remember is that this is completely normal and things will improve as you settle into uni life!
If feel like you need further guidance with your mental health – this is completely fine so don’t be afraid to ask for it! Exeter Student Nightline (their number, 01392 724000, can be found on your Student ID) is a really useful helpline if you need someone to talk to. Alternatively, you could always contact your personal tutor for help, especially if this is impacting your studies.