5 Homesick Remedies
Alumn Ellie, gives us her tips on avoiding homesickness during your first few weeks of uni.
Your hard work has paid off and you’ve earned a place at university! Congratulations! For weeks the only things your friends have been talking about are the societies, fresher’s events, parties, classes, and pizza. You’re super excited to meet your new flatmates and course buddies, and get involved with the different UoN team.
…but there’s this feeling in the pit of your stomach that you weren’t expecting; a feeling that makes you remember your dad’s burnt beans on toast as a gourmet meal , your little sisters jokes as comedy gold, and your cat’s late-night yowling as melodic.
You feel homesick.
But worry not, as we have the perfect list to help you through it.
- Let’s get creative.
Sometimes it’s hard to feel at when you’re living in halls. The walls are often bare, and there isn’t much personality. So make it your own! Bringing a little piece of home to uni with you can transform a room into your own. You can’t do anything to mark the walls, so bringing pin boards to put on your desk is a great way to go!
2. Buddy up.
Making friends is a massive key into feeling less homesick, and it doesn’t have to always be about parties. Naturally you’ll spend a lot of time around your flatmates, so cuddle up in the kitchen with some hot chocolate, blankets, and watch a movie on your laptop. Don’t forget your course buddies too; grab a coffee after class and talk about your plans for the week. Soon those homesick feelings will melt away.
3. Get involved!
UoN has many societies just waiting for you to join them! From Dr Who to rugby, from anime to rowing; we have something for every interest. If you can’t find something you like, you could always start your own! Keeping busy and meeting new people is certain to make you forget about missing home.
4. Treat. Your. Self.
Do something that makes you feel good. Eat some pizza. Go for a run. Do a DIY facemask. Read a book. Watch some reality TV. Allow yourself to indulge in your favourite pastime without feeling guilty. Remember that it’s good for you to take a quick break from studying too, so do something you enjoy.
5. Phone home
Coming to uni doesn’t mean you can’t stay in contact with your loved ones. In fact, it’s really encouraged that you talk regularly with your mates from back home; they are your friends after all. The beauty of the modern technology means we can Skype and Face Time whenever we want. So if you miss having a gossip with your mum, make sure you call her up for a good natter.
