Homesickness is common in your initial months at uni, and affects everyone differently. We’re here to help you understand the symptoms of homesickness, whether you’re anticipating your move to uni or already living on campus, and how you can overcome it as you get used to university life.
Immersing yourself in your new city, maintaining a routine and taking advantage of the help that’s available are key to helping those homesick feelings slowly fall away. Our Student Support Hub has all the tools and resources you need to settle into your new home in Norwich.
What are the symptoms of homesickness?
When you’re struggling with homesickness, you might find that you suffer with one or more of the following symptoms:
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Feeling overwhelmed
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Lack of sleep
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Poor appetite
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Low self-esteem
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Sense of isolation or feeling withdrawn
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Headaches or nauseousness
If your homesickness symptoms feel unmanageable, or are worsening, always consider talking to a doctor or other professional who can help you. There’s plenty of support available as part of university life, too. We offer wellbeing services from within your faculty, and as part of your Residential Life team, meaning you’re supported from both your course, and your accommodation. Our Residential Life advisers are available from 6pm-7am, making sure there‘s always a friendly face on hand when you’re feeling overwhelmed or homesick. No matter what time of day you want to talk, support is always available, whether that’s via one-to-one appointments, confidential emails, video calls or telephone contact.
How do I deal with homesickness?
Everyone has to tackle homesickness in their own way, but there are many methods for overcoming it with the support of the people around you. Reece Luetchford, fourth year Engineering, recommends getting involved in university life:
“An aspect of homesickness I experienced in my first year of uni was missing my dog, Opie. Taking part in the weekly dog walks around the lake with the Active Campus programme really helped me overcome this, especially in the first few weeks away from home. I’d definitely recommend getting involved with the dog walks at UEA if you’re a student that’s experiencing homesickness, as it helps with feeling more at-home on campus.”
When you’re feeling homesick, having a comfortable, welcoming space you can retreat to and relax in can make all the difference. Make your space yours by personalising it with colour, cosy furnishings and personal items. Adding photos of your friends, family and pets, as well as any sentimental trinkets or posters will help your accommodation begin to feel like home.
Societies are a great way to meet up with new people, some of whom are sure to have been in the same position as you, while also having fun doing something you enjoy: it’s a win-win! Libby Birkett, 4th year MSCI Biochemistry, suggests experimenting with a new hobby:
“University is full of new things to try and new people to meet. Doing new things and keeping your mind off being homesick will not only make you feel better, but also allows you to live your first year at university to the fullest!”
With access to regular meetups and inclusive socials, joining a society can also help you form a routine. Incorporating regular activities and things to do within your routine gives you a sense of consistency and control that helps to combat homesickness.
If you need help choosing one, our guide to clubs and societies has you covered.
Often, homesickness is driven by the unfamiliarity of your surroundings. You can help get to know your new home by learning about the local area and finding places and spaces where you feel comfortable.
The UEA campus and Norwich itself are brimming with opportunities to make uni a home. Taking the time to immerse yourself in new experiences, whether it’s exploring your city or trying a new place to eat with your coursemates, can help your new city feel more familiar.
If you’re looking for more specific guidance and support, buddy schemes like buddy(su) are there to help you find your feet. Trained student volunteers are matched with you based on your course, interests and needs, so you’ll have someone with similar circumstances to you, to reach out to while you get to know your new home.
Activities such as studying in the university library or spending downtime in shared living spaces can work wonders for your confidence. Not only will you increase your chances of bumping into like-minded students, but you’ll build familiarity and comfort in areas outside of your bedroom.
It can be tempting to stay in your halls if you’re feeling homesick, but being around friendly faces can help you foster a sense of belonging. Remember why you wanted to come to university and the many experiences, friendships and learning you have waiting for you.
Whilst it’s great to keep in touch with your loved ones outside of university, making time for new experiences and new people can really help you settle in. Get in touch with your friends and family from home every couple of days if you want to and plan trips back so you can look forward to them, but try to allow yourself space to find friends you can connect with in your new environment.
Social media has its benefits, such as connectivity and networking, but it can also give an unrealistic view of other people’s lives, and, in excess, make real-life communication more difficult.
Try to limit how often you use social media. Use it as a way to hear the voices and see the faces of the people you want to connect with, but try not to compare how you’re feeling to them: everyone has a completely different university experience.
Most of all, if you’re ever struggling with homesickness, remember talking about how you’re feeling can be a huge help, whether you want to speak to other students, loved ones from home or university staff.
At UEA specifically, we pride ourselves on outstanding wellbeing support, which includes access to the Student Information Zone as your first point of call, and the award-winning 24/7 Togetherall service. UEA’s very own podcast and wellbeing YouTube channel also provides advice on different topics, aimed directly at students and the situations you may face.
If you’d prefer to speak to university staff directly, trained advisers are always on hand to help you talk things through. Your accommodation will be assigned a Residential Life adviser, and you’ll have your own academic adviser, who you can go to with any general or academic concerns you have.
There’s also the UK-wide Nightline, a student-led listening service where you can talk about your concerns.
Should I go home if I feel homesick?
If you feel having some time at home will be helpful, please do consider a visit. However, it’s important to make time for new experiences and give yourself the opportunity to form connections during your time at university.
How long does homesickness last?
There is no concrete answer to this, really. We all process homesickness differently, and so you can’t put a timeframe on how long it might last. Try to remember that many, many students around you and around the world are in the same position, and work on coming out of your comfort zone a little more each day. Building activities and experiences you enjoy into each day will help your university life feel like home.
Getting support from your university
From student buddies to wellbeing support within your chosen course, there are multiple ways you can begin to overcome homesickness. Take things day by day, and be kind to yourself. Remember, there’s always a friendly face waiting to talk when you need to.