‘I miss home so much, is this normal?’

“I miss home so much. For so long I wanted to go to uni, meet new people and do my degree… to have the time of my life like everyone said I would… why aren't I? I miss my parents, my family, my friends and the way everything used to be… I'm not saying its bad here…but it's so different and there's no one to tell me what to do… its all down to me…

…everyone’s different here, they're not my old friends, they don't know everything about me; like the funny way I broke my arm… I thought it would be easy, but it's not. I don't want to admit defeat; I've wanted this for so long. What can I do?”

Homesickness is something which everyone will go through at some point in their university life. For some of you it may be the first time you have been left to your own devices and things may seem a little daunting, whilst for others the discomfort of homesickness may not emerge till later on in the year. Whenever it appears there are some simple steps you can take to make the experience less upsetting.

• Remember to keep yourself busy, as the more you dwell on the situation and think about all the things you miss the more anxious you will become. Have a night out with friends or mingle with your flatmates if you have just started university. Whatever you do just don’t sit in your bedroom and let all the memories of home engulf you.
• Life at university can be busy and hectic at the best of times, but there is no law saying that you can only visit your friends and family during academic holidays or that they can’t visit you. Invite them over or go to visit them. Planned visits will be something for you to look forward to and may help with the homesickness.
• When speaking on the phone to friends and family at home, make sure you have got something to do after you’ve put the phone down.
• University life is also full of opportunities. Talk to people, go out and join one of the many societies that are part of your university…
• Remember that this is your opportunity to discover yourself and to develop your independence.

links:
eSsortment.com - 10 Tips
Most Universities have a link on their site - this is Cambridge University's page
Penn State Erie Guide to coping

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