What To Do When Homesickness Hits at University

Malak Hawashin on 4 November 2024

For many of us, going to university is our first time being away from family and friends for an extended period. It can cause our hearts to fill with wistfulness and desolation. Adjusting to a new life can be difficult, despite the pressure to embrace our new chapter at university.

As social anxiety looms over our heads this autumn, we must remind ourselves that we are all on the same boat, experiencing the same feelings of longing for home. We all miss the comfort of our familiar lives, so sitting in our rooms may seem more favourable than going out into the intimidating unknown.

There are many creative and practical ways to navigate the emotional rollercoaster that is homesickness. By incorporating these tricks into your daily routine, you’ll feel more at ease and gradually start to embrace this new and exciting chapter in your lives:

  1. Simple tasks that drag us out of our rooms are important in keeping us busy. Going for a grocery shop with your flatmates, heading to the gym or even attending your lectures can help get your mind off homesickness. These distractions occupy your mind and provide a break from the overwhelming feeling of missing home.
  1. Keep track of LUU wellbeing events such as the weekly wellbeing and global cafes. Fostering a sense of community and belonging that combats loneliness and isolation. This can help you find a space to get to know more people and perhaps even get the support you didn’t know you needed!
  1. LUU hosts many clubs and societies; find something that excites you and give it a go! Your time at university is all about finding yourself and experiencing new things. 
  1. Although it is okay to miss home, you should not cling to what you miss but rather embrace the opportunity you have been given at university. Mindful practices like gratitude journaling are a perfect example of that; start a journal to reflect and note things that you’re grateful for in your new environment. It can help shift your focus to the positive aspects of your experience at university.
  1. When packing for university, grab some trinkets that remind you of your loved ones, such as pictures and stuffed teddies. This will help make your space more comforting and familiar. You can even create a Homesickness Survival Kit.
  1. Fill a box with items that bring you comfort and relaxation. Something like your favourite tea, a cosy blanket, or a good book will do the trick. Whenever you feel down, you can reach for it to lift your spirits.
  1. Create a schedule that excites you. You can look up new recipes and try them out every day. Similarly, you can arrange coffee dates with your coursemates between classes. Or even set up virtual hangouts with family and friends through video calls. Having a set time to connect with loved ones can give you something to look forward to and make it through the hard times.
  1. It is important to look after yourself, your mental well-being is just as important as your physical health. Getting enough sleep, eating well and exercising are a great way to boost your mental health. Having a routine is essential in reducing your anxiety and creates a sense of comfort and familiarity in your new life.
  1. Stick it out! Students who go home every weekend usually find that it takes longer to fit in, so make sure to stay around the first few weeks.

It is okay to feel homesick, whether you’re a first-year or coming back from an eventful summer break. What’s most important is that you make sure to prioritise yourself and listen to what your body and emotions are telling you. These proactive approaches not only help you cope with homesickness but also encourage personal growth and adaptation to your new life.

Read more:

https://engage.luu.org.uk/guides/article/MTH/i-feel-homesick

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/advice/how-deal-homesickness-university

The Freshers Flu That Just Won’t Go

Harriet Purbrick on 30 October 2021

We are all sick right now. At least that’s what I’m telling myself to soften the FOMO as I make myself my sixth cup of Lemsip and cancel my plans all over again. 

But I’m not entirely wrong. As the normal Freshers bug sweeps its way across campus, reopening means we are also facing the consequences of “immunity debt”, aka everyone getting sick at the same time because we’ve spent the last year and a half limiting our social contact. 

Of course, if you’re experiencing any more serious or long lasting physical or mental health concerns, seek medical advice. It’s also worth saying that Covid cases are on the rise (again), so if you have any Covid symptoms, take a PCR test.

Nonetheless, here are some tips to look after yourself, whether you’re currently feeling under the weather or just trying to stay healthy!

Sleep

If you’ve got a recurring weekday alarm, give yourself a break and turn it off until you’re feeling better and allow that crucial immune response to kick in. You don’t need me to tell you that maintaining a healthy sleep schedule is also a great defence against infection. However, I really could have done with someone telling me as a Fresher that it’s always better to listen to your body than your flatmates trying to drag you on yet another night out. Re-sell your ticket on Leeds’ Students Group to soften the blow and have a quiet night in, safe in the knowledge that your Monzo account won’t be spammed by Uber receipts.

Diet

One of the now-confounding images that’s stuck with me from my first semester at Leeds was a collective effort to take as many Vitamin C supplements as possible, as if they were ordained with a Pfizer level defence against all sickness (in reality, a lot of the vitamin will come straight out in your pee). Whilst vitamins and minerals are undeniably good for you, you can’t ignore the basics like eating three meals a day and always eating before consuming alcohol! Maintaining a good diet at uni can seem daunting at first (not to mention time-consuming and expensive) but learning a few, balanced meals that you can batch cook and freeze for later, such as a chilli or curries will pay enormous dividends.

Time

As the end of lockdown means the return of pre-Covid expectations for assessment and (some) in-person teaching (meaning you can’t just hide behind a turned-off webcam and muted mic), you’re not alone if you’re feeling stressed. And on top of academic pressures, many of us are finding our diaries packed with Give It A Goes, Otley Run’s, and seeing those friends you’ve inexplicably still got after three lockdowns. In short, it’s a lot. Take time out for yourself and get acquainted with saying no to things before you start to feel overwhelmed.