Top Tips on Dealing With Homesickness at University

Whether you are domestic student from 10 miles away, or an international student from across the globe, feeling homesick is something that anybody and everybody can experience!

There is no shame in admitting that you miss your home, your family and friends, the area that you came from and your life before university. From your first year, to your final year, homesickness can affect you at any point.

Here are my top tips on effective ways to deal with homesickness, that will hopefully make you feel better!

Use products that you use at home

Buy the same laundry detergent that your family use, your favourite perfume from last year, the same soap and shower gel, and any other products! When you are faced with a new environment and new people, the familiar scents will be of great comfort to you. It may not even be noticeable all the time, but every now and then you will be reminded positively of something calming.

Visit the types of places you enjoy

It sounds simple but it’s something that many people forget to do while everyday life takes over. Visiting places that you like can really help alleviate the feeling of homesickness. You could go for a walk in a garden or a park, take a day trip to the seaside, or go for a hike in a forest. Whatever the places are that you enjoy spending time in, make the effort to go there and do what you love. You will feel comforted by being in an environment that you appreciate, and it will improve your wellbeing. Use apps like Google Maps and TikTok to find nice places but also make sure to ask other students and staff who will usually provide even better guidance.

Invite your friends and family to visit you, share special moments

There are lots of things to do in Chester and the surrounding area, so planning a day for you and your friends from home is a great way of making new memories with people you have known for a long time.

It can be difficult if your friends and family live far away and are unable to visit, however. A tip from me is that if you have a meal that your father would like, or you find a flower that your mum hasn’t seen before, or a book your friend hasn’t read, you can take a picture and tell them all about it. They will appreciate you thinking of them, and you will feel better for sharing it.

Try budgeting for visits

This is so you have the money available to visit when there are things like special events happening back home. Budgeting effectively will help when you want to book a train ticket, or a flight, during term time and can make the world of difference to your mood and happiness. Having scheduled journeys will also mean that you have something to look forward to throughout the year.

ASK FOR HELP

If you find that you are seriously struggling with being away from home, see the University Wellbeing Team or Student Services. They will be able to support you in finding methods that can make you feel happier and content at university. Remember that other issues in your life can also make the feeling of homesickness more prominent, so dealing and coping with them correctly is important! The University will be able to help you with this and the support is there for you if you need it.

Make sure to check out our support services or visit us for an Open Day to find out more about the support we offer at the University of Chester.