.png)
Living away from home can feel isolating and scary at times especially since for a lot of us, this is the first time we’re spending so long away from home, away from family, friends and where we feel most comfortable perhaps. But not to worry, here are some tips on how to manage feelings of homesickness.
- Make your accommodation into your second home
Get your fairy lights, posters and printed pictures with friends and family and decorate your room! After all, this is where you will be spending most of your time, so it helps to have an environment you enjoy being in. I find it helps to have pictures of your loved ones up too to reminisce about the old memories you have had with them. You can even bring back things from home like teddy bears, blankets, ornaments from your room – you name it! This will help make your accommodation feel more homely.
- Spend time with university friends
Being isolated can increase your feelings of homesickness so it is important you spend time with friends to keep yourself busy! There are so many activities you can do, for example playing cards or board games, painting together or having movie nights at home. A classic game of 2 truths and 1 lie could be a fun way to get to know everyone more and I would recommend taking the initiative and making plans yourself if you feel you want to spend time with friends, but nothing has been scheduled yet.
It’s great to meet new people too because you never know who your best friends could be forever and ways you can do this are by joining societies or trying out the ‘Give it a Go’ events run by us – I know personally, I have met so many people through this. If you’re feeling worried about housing next year and how to find flatmates there are also many flatmate finder events to help you find like-minded people to live with.
- Explore the city and go out
What better way to make yourself feel more at home than by exploring the area and finding out what there is to do. There is so much to see in Exeter and some of the scenery is truly breath-taking – such as all the nearby beaches like Exmouth or Dawlish Warren, or the quayside. There are so many shops and museums and cinemas in town which you can have a look at! This is also a great way to spend time with friends and have fun with them.
- Journaling
Journaling can be a great way in general to manage your wellbeing. Sometimes writing down your thoughts can help free them from your mind to make you feel better and you can even write about happy memories from home to give you a positive outlook on homesickness. You could also write down things you are grateful for and fun things you did in your day to lift your mood.
- Keep in touch with friends and family by video calling
A simple fix to homesickness can be calling your friends and family. Do this with a limit so that it doesn’t make your homesickness worse but calling your family and friends can definitely help you feel less alone. Why not even try sending an Exeter postcard to them?
Finally, a message to end with is that the feeling of homesickness is valid, and it is totally normal to be feeling this way! Remember to not hesitate to reach out for help from University wellbeing services. There is also a very useful wellbeing hub on our website with lots of resources and advice. Take care of yourself :)