Whether you’re heading back to university or moving away to travel, dealing with homesickness as a student or recent graduate never gets easier.
Here are five things you can do to cope with homesickness.
It’s Normal
Firstly, you need to realise and accept that feeling homesick is totally normal.
Since growing up, you’re constantly surrounded by the same scenery, the same faces, and even the same foods. But when you move away from home you’re thrown into a totally new environment. You’re making friends all the time and cooking for yourself 24/7.
It’s not easy. So take the pressure off and let yourself feel it before picking yourself up.
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Gatherings
Schedule time to go home and make sure you get all of your friends and family together. Whether this is for a drink, a meal or just to go for a walk. If you see everyone when you come home, then you’ll know that they are all ok and you can enjoy your time while you’re away. It’s always nice to catch up with people you haven’t seen in ages too!
Facetime
While you might think that face-timing your family is going to make it harder, it will likely just reassure you. The power of Facetime is pretty incredible, so make the most of it and use it! Maybe even arrange a Facetime with your group of friends to have a virtual drink. That can be one of the best ways of dealing with homesickness as a student if you are all in different places.
Letters
If you’ve moved away, why not write down everything you feel? What do you want to tell your mum and dad? What do you miss about home right now? Send them a letter!
If they send you one back, then keep it and read it whenever you feel a little sad to cheer you up and reassure you.
Home from Home
When you move away, try to take something that feels like home with you. Whether it’s as small as a bracelet (this might be the way for the travelling backpacker lifestyle!), a teddy, a book, or a blanket. Whatever it is, pack it.
You might not think you need it while you’re at home filling your suitcase but, in those homesick moments where all you want is the comfort of your own bed, you’re going to want it!
So if you’re about to take that big step and move away from home, trust the fact that you are ready.
And in those moments when home feels so far away, just remember these tips and you will be okay. We promise.
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