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Hello, I’m Daniel! I will be starting my second year at Exeter this September. I'm writing to you about homesickness and how to deal with it. Ultimately, I hope to share some tips you can keep in mind to help you muddle through some waves of homesickness.
I remember the daunting moment when I first arrived in my halls of residence and said goodbye to my family and my home. I really struggled with homesickness throughout my first year, especially since I live in Lowestoft, which is nearly six hours away. It proved difficult to leave the ‘sanctuary’ of my home, and I still find it difficult to be away from home. However, if you ever feel the same, please don’t feel like you’re alone. Nearly all students at Exeter will feel homesick at some point in their university journey, and it’s perfectly normal. But the big question remains: how can we deal with homesickness?
My first advice is to try make your new room feel like home. You could bring any sentimental objects or photos to your room - I brought perhaps too many Star Wars-themed things! It helps to have something that you are familiar with, and you (hopefully) will feel more comfortable in your room. The first few weeks will be difficult, but with time, you will get used to your accommodation. You could also watch TV shows or films that you would normally watch at home. Fortunately, my first term coincided with Strictly, so I always had something to look forward to the weekend. Please don’t think you have to ‘cut’ your family and friends from home off when you move to a different place. Find the people you feel like you can express your feelings or concerns to, and this will make you feel more secure. For instance, I video call my mum regularly to discuss anything or to catch up on the gossip. There are lots of people who can support you, however near or far.
Secondly, if you are feeling down or struggling to stay motivated, you should consider looking at the Guild website for any activities or events that you could join. Take advantage of Welcome Week, as it is a great opportunity to find out more about societies (and hoard some free pens and sweets in addition). There will be some societies that are less active than others, but take your time to explore your interests and join a few societies to begin with. Furthermore, if you have nothing to do for the weekend, maybe catch a train and travel to different towns outside Exeter. If you ever fancy a trip to the seaside, you could visit Paignton or Dawlish. You could also travel to Dartmoor, which is a stunning National Park nearby. The Guild also organises trips, so you can visit new places while also meeting new people. Make sure to have a healthy routine and don’t just stay in your room studying or playing computer games!
Finally, if you are struggling a lot, don’t stay silent. Reach out to your family and friends, but you should contact Wellbeing Services or your department if you are unhappy about anything to do with your studies or mental health. You could also get support from the Residence Life team – they were brilliant with me when I was struggling with my flat and not sleeping properly. If you want to find out more about what support you can receive, contact the Guild and they can provide you with useful information. In the meantime, I hope you find this blog helpful, and feel free to ask for any advice or suggestions. Take care!