Dealing with homesickness
Dealing with homesickness
Living away from home is a significant change which can bring mixed feelings of excitement and homesickness. This is a common experience that a lot of students go through but with the right strategies you can overcome these challenges and take the most of this new chapter of your life. This guide aims to help you deal with these feelings with a positive approach.
Understanding how you feel: Feeling homesick is a normal part of the transition into your life away from home, missing home, and the people you love is natural so don’t be too hard on yourself. Remember that even though it might feel overwhelming it is just a temporary feeling and there are many things you can do to help you cope.
Create a routine:
Planning your days by setting a routine with designated time for academic and personal activities such as studying, leisure and cooking is a great way to manage your feelings of homesickness as it allows you to have some structure and stability in your daily life, giving you a sense of purpose.
Stay in touch: Regular contact with your family and friends through calls or messages is a great way to keep in touch with your support system, share updates and bridge the physical gap. Additionally, if possible, plan visits back home or have your loved ones visiting you, this not only allows you to stay connected but also gives you something to look forward to.
Try new things: At the University of Huddersfield there are many opportunities for you to try new things, make new friends and connections. Start by joining societies and sports clubs available to you at the Huddersfield Students’ Union, attend events across campus or join the university’s gym. This is a fantastic way to distract yourself during your leisure time and have some fun!
Explore your surroundings: Take some time to get to know Huddersfield by exploring the town centre, visiting the parks, and enjoying the local coffee shops and restaurants. Getting comfortable in your new environment and connecting with the local community is an important step to adjusting to your new life away from home and to familiarize with your new surroundings.
Connect with your colleagues and housemates: Establishing new friendships and having a support system which you can rely on during stressful times is a very important part of your student life. Engaging in social interactions with your colleagues and housemates contributes to a sense of belonging and reduces feelings of loneliness and isolation. These friendships will not only enrich your university experience but also contribute to the creation of long-lasting memories
Take care of yourself: Prioritise your health by practicing self-care activities such as exercise, healthy eating habits and proper sleep. As a university student you might experience situations which might trigger stress or anxiety, such as homesickness or study related problems, making self-care a priority in your life is crucial as it not only impacts your wellbeing but also your academic success and overall university experience.
Seek support: If you ever feel overwhelmed by your feelings of homesickness or just feel like you need someone to talk to don’t hesitate to reach out to the support available to you at the university such as the Advice Centre or the Wellbeing Service. These teams are designed to support and guide you during any adversities you might face through your time at university.
While feeling homesick is a normal process it’s essential to address these feelings and actively working towards managing them. Remember you are not alone and with time and by following these strategies these feelings will hopefully diminish as you create a new sense of home in Huddersfield, allowing you to enjoy your university experience.
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