Tackling homesickness at University

 Starting university is a scary thing, some people find it harder than others, especially if you're moving away from home for the first time. I started uni a year ago and honestly first year was probably the best year of my life so make the most of every moment! However I did sometimes feel extremely homesick and it is to be expected so don't be ashamed of it because those around you probably feel exactly the same even if they aren't showing it.

One of the things that are really hard to do is have a good balance, you need to phone and visit home often in order to overcome your homesickness however too much of this can lead to you feeling even more homesick. Another thing is try and socialise and don't lock yourself away, sometimes it can be hard not to fall into the habit of locking yourself away in your room when you're feeling down. I went through a time of doing this and I honestly came to hate my room, it felt like a prison cell to me and all I wanted was to be back in my bedroom at home.


It's a good thing to talk about how you feel, have a good hug and even a cry if you need to with a friend! I told my friends and family about how I was feeling and they all helped to make my room feel more homely and welcoming by adding some of the things I had in my room at home such as photo frames.

Make the most of the people around you, I wouldn't have got through it without friends, family and my boyfriend. Make the most of the opportunities, join societies, make friends, go and explore, it will take your mind off home. There were stages where I really didn't want to come home I was enjoying it that much! So try and enjoy every moment, university will probably be a roller-coaster of emotions but the good will outweigh the bad if you allow it to. Make the most of your freedom, your chance to learn new things and ultimately have the best time of your life!

If any of you feel particularly worried and want to ask any questions to someone who's been in the situation already, feel free to leave a comment or contact me at loveoflifemh@gmail.com.

MH