Moving to university is a big change. You’re getting used to a new place, meeting new people, finding your way around and figuring out a completely new routine.
While there can be lots to look forward to, it’s also completely normal to miss home.
You might find yourself missing your family, your friends, your pets, your favourite food or even the little things you never thought you’d miss. Feeling homesick doesn’t mean you’re not enjoying university or that you’ve made the wrong decision. Sometimes, you just need a little time to settle in.
If you’re missing home, here are some simple things that might help.
Keep in Touch With Home
When you’re feeling homesick, it can be tempting to shut yourself away. Instead, pick up the phone and give someone at home a call.
Whether it’s a quick FaceTime with your family, a catch-up with a friend or sending your pet some attention via video call, staying connected can make you feel a little closer to home.
You don’t have to speak every day either. Find a routine that works for you and your family without making you feel like you’re constantly looking back.
Bring a Little Bit of Home With You
Having familiar things around you can make your university room feel much more comfortable.
This could be photos of your family and friends, your favourite blanket, a familiar scent, some home comforts or even your favourite mug.
You don’t need to bring your entire bedroom with you. Just a few things that make you feel comfortable can make a big difference.
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our guide to making your uni room feel like home.
Get Out of Your Room
When you’re feeling homesick, staying in your room might feel like the easiest option. But spending too much time alone can sometimes make those feelings stronger.
Try getting out for a walk, grabbing a coffee, heading to the library or exploring somewhere new with your flatmates.
You don’t have to plan anything complicated. Even getting some fresh air and changing your surroundings can help you feel a little better.
Get to Know Your New City
Part of settling into university is making your new city feel familiar.
Find your favourite coffee shop, discover somewhere good for lunch, visit a local park or look for things happening nearby. Social media can be a great way to find new places too, especially TikTok and Instagram.
The more familiar your surroundings become, the more your new city can start to feel like your own.
Spend Time With Your Flatmates
You might not instantly become best friends with everyone you live with, and that’s completely normal.
Start small. Ask if they fancy watching something together, cooking dinner, going for a walk or heading into town.
Even having someone to chat to in the kitchen can make your accommodation feel less unfamiliar.
Create a Routine
University can sometimes feel strange because everything is new at once. Creating a simple routine can give your days a bit more structure.
Try getting up around the same time, going to your lectures, making time for food, exercise and socialising and giving yourself some downtime too.
Having things to look forward to throughout the week can help you feel more settled.
Keep Yourself Busy
You don’t need to keep yourself busy every second of the day, but having something to focus on can help take your mind off missing home.
Join a society, try a new hobby, go to a Freshers event, get involved with your course or simply make plans with the people you’ve met.
You never know what might become a new favourite part of university life.
Remember That Everyone Settles In Differently
It can be easy to look around and think that everyone else is having the time of their life while you’re the only person missing home.
But you probably don’t see the full picture.
Some people settle in straight away, while others need a few weeks or even months to feel comfortable. There’s no right amount of time to adjust to university.
Give yourself some time and don’t compare your experience to everyone else’s.
Make Plans for When You Go Home
Having something to look forward to can make being away from home feel easier.
Maybe you’ve got a weekend at home coming up, a family birthday, a visit from your friends or simply a planned video call.
Knowing when you’ll next see the people you love can give you something positive to focus on.
Talk to Someone If You’re Struggling
Feeling homesick is normal, but you don’t have to deal with it on your own.
If you’re finding things particularly difficult or your feelings aren’t getting any easier, speak to someone. This could be a friend, flatmate, university tutor, student support team or someone you trust at home.
Sometimes simply telling someone how you’re feeling can make things feel a little more manageable.
Give Yourself Time
Most importantly, remember that university is a big adjustment.
You’re learning how to live independently, meeting new people and creating a life away from what you’ve always known. It’s okay if it doesn’t feel like home straight away.
Take things one day at a time, stay connected to the people you love and give yourself the chance to create new routines, memories and favourite places.
You can miss home and still love university. The two things can exist at the same time.
Eventually, the place that feels new now can start to feel like home too.
