Simple steps to fight Freshers' homesickness

I hope everyone who’s moved down to here for their first year of university has settled in and is starting to get used to their new lives here in Southampton. Since we are well into Freshers’ week by now, - in fact, lectures have begun! - I assume (if you are a fresher), you’ve learned a couple of things like:

• There’s a North vs South rivalry – I can’t really take sides in this, but I remember this being a thing that came up quite frequently during Freshers’ and the weeks following.

• If you’re an international student you have been asked “How are you finding England?” at least ten times.

And when lectures started you learned a few more things like:

• The buses are often packed first thing in the morning with everyone going to 9am lectures– so get to the bus stop early!

• First week is very nice and relaxing with a slow introduction into everything, then before you know it – deadlines and midterms are upon you!

• You sat next to loads of new people when lectures start and you introduced yourself … and instantly forgot their name.

However, moving away isn’t always easy and some might experience homesickness.

This is completely normal, just as it is also normal to move to university and not miss home. I’ve already written a bit about homesickness and how to cope with it in a previous post. However, I thought if you are in need of three simple tips on how to cope with homesickness especially at the start of a new academic year, this is what I have found to be very helpful:

1. Keep busy

Time flies when you have fun! Go out, see the city or join a couple of societies, there are endless of opportunities if you want things to do at the University. You are guaranteed to meet new people along the way and it will definitely be helpful if you are homesick and will also make Southampton and the University feel more at home.

2. Make your room feel like home

Halls are obviously very neutral, but it doesn’t mean it needs to stay like that. Fill your room up with pictures and other things that make it feel like your own space. Be aware of the rules of what you are allowed to have in your room; I know the rule about candles is a bit annoying especially for someone who loves scented candles, but an easy way around it is to buy a diffuser that smells nice!

3. Explore the city and its surroundings

If all you do is leave your halls to go to the campus and back it can be quite depressing and monotonous. Explore Southampton as much as you can! I’ve written about my favourite places to eat/go for a coffee here or what I love the most about Southampton – find your own new favourite places and things you love about the city.

Ocean Village in the city of Southampton - somewhere to visit away from campus!

I hope the first few weeks have gone well for you all!

Alexandra