Many students experience home sickness when they first move away from home and start university. 

It's completely normal to miss the familiarity of home, friends, and family. Here are some tips to help you if you’re struggling with homesickness: 

Get Involved in Residence Life Activities - We have a wide range of events and activities running in freshers week and throughout the year to get involved with. Not only is it. A great way to take your mind off feeling homesick, but it’s also a great way to meet new people, make friends and build your own community here. 

Stay Connected with Family and Friends - Keep in touch with your loved ones regularly through phone calls, video chats, or text messages. Seeing a friendly face or just chatting to your mates from home as you would normally do is a great way to stay connected, and it also lets you know that, even though you’ve moved away, you have their support. 

Look for home comforts - If there are any specific foods that remind you of your home and your family, look for places in the city that might serve them or learn how to make them for yourself! Sometimes a good home-cooked meal can be the right thing to brighten your spirits.

Join a society - Joining clubs and organizations is an easy way to make new friends and become part of new communities filled with people who have the same interests as you. The University has a wide range of societies, so whatever you’re interested in, there is probably a group for you! 

Explore Your Surroundings - Get to know the area around the university. Take a walk around the campus, pop into town, go for a hike, or visit local attractions. Knowing what is available around you is always useful information to have, and exploring your new environment can help you feel more at home. 

©Carl Milner Photography for Visit Leeds

Create a Comfortable Space - Make your room or apartment feel like home by decorating it with familiar items, such as photos, posters, or blankets. Having a cosy and comfortable space can help you feel more relaxed and help you adjust to your new home.  

Seek Support from Counselling Services - If you're struggling with homesickness, don't hesitate to reach out to the university's counselling services. They can provide you with support and resources to help you and give you tips on how to deal with feelings of homesickness. You can find out more about accessing support in our University and external support guides.