Dealing with homesickness at university
Katie Boyer
Psychology BSc(Hons)
Hello! I'm Katie a second year psychology student. I moved to Huddersfield so I know what it's like to leave family and friends behind to start your uni life.
Feeling lonely in a group, missing things being ‘normal’, and wanting to go back home to your bed. Sound familiar? Feeling homesick is something that lots of us experience when starting, and moving to, university, so learning how to manage this feeling is really important.
However, to do this, you must recognise that the feeling is totally normal, and it’s not something to be embarrassed about. Moving from one location to another is a really big change, especially when you’re leaving your family, friends, and pets at home.
My experience with homesickness
Although I didn’t move too far from home, I still missed my family, my friends and my dog (of course!). Most of my friends went to different universities, so it was difficult for us to all meet up as we usually would, and when I went home, it was usually to work, so I didn’t see my family as much either.
This was very different to what I was used to and inevitably made me feel pretty sad to begin with. As the year went on, though, I became more comfortable living alone, and got used to seeing everyone from home occasionally, rather than regularly. So, if you’re feeling like living at uni isn’t for you – give it time, it will get much better.
How to feel more at home
Okay so you might be wondering, ‘how can I stop feeling as homesick?’ or ‘how do people get through this without just going home?’
I’m going to give you some of my top tips, things that helped me personally, and some which helped people I know to feel more settled in.
Firstly, I think it's really important to decorate your room nicely. You’ll spend lots of time in there, so making it feel cosy, and like home is something which you should prioritise. Putting up pictures from home , having nice lights, fluffy blankets, and having a tidy space – all of these things will help you feel better.
Get into a routine
I also 1,000 per cent recommend setting a regular routine for yourself. This was one of the main things that helped me to feel better.
Whether it’s setting yourself mealtimes, or waking up at the same time each morning, going on walks in the evenings or having designated evenings out with your friends. I personally love going to the football games (unfortunately not to Oakwell though!). It helps you to feel much more organised and structured, when everything else feels new and confusing.
In addition to this, keeping in touch with your family regularly through text messages, or Facetiming them is a good way to help you feel less homesick.
Schedule a weekly call, so you know exactly when you’ll be able to talk to the people you’re missing, and you have something to look forward to in the week.
Remember that your parents, friends, partners, colleagues, and pets will be missing you too - it’s a big change for them as well. Going back home to visit everyone you miss is also okay. It doesn’t have to be a birthday, or any special occasion - going home just to go see your family is special enough.
Keep busy
Keeping yourself busy is another way to manage these feelings, whether it’s going out with friends, doing your coursework, exercising, or even going to do the food shop. There are lots of fun things to do in and around Huddersfield, such as going to the cinema, bowling, or visiting Greenhead Park.
Getting involved in Huddersfield Students Union's societies is another way to keep yourself busy, whether it’s a sports society, an academic society or a religious society - it’s a good way to make new friends. One of the main things I missed last year was playing football for my team at home, so I joined women’s football here in Huddersfield, which was really fun, and it did really help.
You’ll meet people who have similar interests to you, who may also be feeling the same way as you – you can help each other. Sometimes, even just knowing that other people are feeling the same way can really have an impact and help you handle your feelings better.
Where to find support
If you try all these things, and nothing seems to be helping, there is lots of help in and around campus.
The University’s Wellbeing support team is GREAT! The staff there help people feeling homesick every single year, so as you can imagine, they’re pretty clued up on how to help. The services are there for a reason - it's okay to use them and ask for help when you’re struggling.
Remember, homesickness doesn’t last forever, even though it can feel overwhelming at first. It’s okay if settling in takes a little time. Uni is a big change for everyone, just be kind to yourself. 😊
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