Help - I’m feeling homesick…........
Firstly, research shows that 35% of new students at University feel homesick so although you might feel like you’re the only one, you definately are not. Starting University can be an overwhelming experience as you have to cope with being away from familiar people and places as well as adapting to a new environment where you probably don’t know where anything is or know anyone at first.
It is usual to feel both excited and anxious about starting university and the transition to university life may take longer for some people and you may find yourself thinking of home most of the time.
Homesickness may make you feel depressed, anxious, have obsessive thoughts and experience minor physical ailments as well as affecting your appetite and sleep patterns. It is different from being depressed since, whilst university may seem awful, when you think of home everything is OK again.
Remember, through all of this that homesick almost always passes and give yourself time to adjsut, it won’t happen overnight.
Talk to someone - if you haven’t made any friends yet, seek out a tutor, chaplain, supervisor or counsellor. They will all understand and want to help.
Keep in touch with people at home and fix a time to go back but also give yourself enough time to get involved at university.
Remember other people will be feeling like you, so talk to them!
Be realistic about what you expect from university life. Don’t either just work or just party all the time! Find a balance and take time to relax in the way best suited to you.
Practical things to do:
The more things you get involved in the less homesick you will feel.
:-) Contact Adam or Tracy for support and information on how you can get involved in University life
:-) Register on our website to get regular updates about the latest news and events, trips and activities. On the home page, in the top right corner click on ‘register’ and follow the simple instructions. You can also join the Students’ Union Official Facebook group
:-) Check all the clubs and societies that are available this academic year. Please click here what these are, how to sign up and how much it cost for one or more of these.
:-) If you like sport and want to find out more about the sport opportunities at the University visit the University Sport Sunderland webpage. You will find details about various sport competitions, leagues, the University gym and sport facilities and much more
:-) The Students’ Union run a great social group called CONNECT which has been set up to provide opportunities to meet new people, make friends and have great fun. There are many events and activities within the CONNECT society, like bowling, cinema nights, trips, sport afternoons, museum visits etc. Students can even suggest activities they want to do in future. It is free to join this society, but students are sometimes expected to pay a little bit towards some of the activities (most of them are, however either free or at student friendly prices). If you want more information, please go to the CONNECT website or become a member of the Connect Facebook Group.
:-) Do you like movies and meeting people who like them too - then join the University CINECLUB. They are holding a weekly screening of various movies at the University Cinema (David Putnam Media Centre. Check their website to see what movie they are showing next…
:-) Go to the Globe Cafe - a great place to meet other students. Please note, the Globe Cafe welcomes all students, not just international students
:-) Volunteer with Community Bridge. Volunteering is an excellent way of meeting new people and gaining new skills at the same time. Find out more from the Careers and Employability Service in the Gateway
:-) Check out notice boards and plasma screens in your faculty for more information on what’s on
:-) Knock on your flatmate’s door (if you’re living in Halls of Residence) and introduce yourself or during lectures pick a random person and ask them if you can sit next to them - what’s the worst that can happen?
Remember, if you would like to talk over your feelings in greater depth you can always make an appointment to see a University Counsellor
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