What to do when you feel homesick

Homesickness is a common feeling for students, but support is available to manage it and adjust to your new environment. Learn about the causes, symptoms, and coping strategies 

What is homesickness?

Homesickness is a feeling of stress or anxiety caused by separation from people and places that you know and love. It is a common experience for students who move away from home, regardless of the distance.

How common is homesickness?

The start of the academic year often brings feelings of homesickness for students. In fact, iQ Student Accommodation reports that there are around 40,000 UK searches per year for terms related to homesickness.  

A survey by the National Union of Students (NUS) found that 70% of students experience homesickness at some point. It's important to remember that this is a completely normal part of adjusting to a new environment. It's okay to miss home and find it challenging to adapt. 

Homesickness can be caused by: 

• missing family and friends 
• feeling isolated in an unfamiliar setting 
• struggling to cope with your academic workload.  

The weeks after Christmas, Easter, or summer can be tough, and many students feel homesick, especially after spending time with family. Fortunately, homesickness is usually a short-term issue, with most students' symptoms fading within a few weeks.

What are the symptoms of homesickness?

Symptoms of homesickness include feeling sad, missing home, and worrying about friends and family. 

Some more specific symptoms include: 

• a disturbed sleeping pattern 
• anger, nausea, or nervousness 
• isolation, loneliness, or withdrawing 
• overwhelm, insecurity, anxiousness, or panic 
• feelings of low self-esteem or self-worth 
• headaches 
• a lack of appetite or concentration. 

How do I deal with homesickness?

Addressing homesickness is important - if left unchecked, it can contribute to more serious mental health issues like depression. 

If you're feeling homesick, here are some things that can help: 

• Stay connected with home - make time to talk to your family and friends regularly, whether by phone, video chat, or email. 
• Get involved in campus activities - joining a club or organisation is a great way to meet new people and make friends. It can also help you feel more connected to your new school and community. 
• Personalise your space - put up pictures and things that remind you of home. This can include sounds, smells, and visual reminders. 
• Explore your new surroundings - take some time to get to know your new city or town by visiting local attractions, trying new restaurants, and attending events. 
• Establish a routine - this provides a sense of structure and stability, which can be comforting in a new and unfamiliar environment. 
• Take care of yourself - make sure to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly. Taking care of your physical and mental health will help you feel better overall. 

It's also important to avoid bottling up your feelings, locking yourself away in your room, skipping lectures and seminars, or drinking more alcohol than you normally would. These behaviours can make you feel more isolated and homesick. 

Homesickness is a common challenge for many students, but overcoming it can have unexpected benefits. As Stuart Gray, student life officer at Swansea University, explains, 'When students reflect on a period of homesickness after dealing with it effectively, they often find that their confidence and self-esteem have improved because of it. When they face a similar challenge again, they know they can survive it.'

What help is available?

If it becomes too overwhelming and starts to affect your daily life, speak to a friend, loved one, your tutor, or university mental health services who can provide you with advice and guidance,' says Stuart.  

Specific support services include: 

• University counselling services - provide guidance and support to help you manage your emotions and develop coping strategies. 
• Peer mentors - connecting with older students who have already gone through the adjustment process can provide valuable insights and support. 
• Mental health apps - apps like Calm and Headspace offer guided meditation and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety. 
• The Nightline Association - offers anonymous, confidential listening and information services to students over the phone, email, instant messaging, text messaging, or drop-ins. 

If your homesickness is significantly impacting your mental health, it's important to seek professional help. Talk to your GP, who can provide further support or refer you for specialist support. Read our guidance on looking after your mental health. 

Remember, homesickness is a normal feeling, and it is usually temporary. With time and effort, you will adjust to your new environment and start to feel more at home. 

How can I support someone who is feeling homesick? 

• Validate their feelings - acknowledge that their feelings are valid and normal. Homesickness is a common experience, especially when moving to a new place or being away from loved ones.    
• Share positive experiences - talk about the positive aspects of their new situation and encourage them to focus on the opportunities and experiences they're gaining. 
• Remind them of their reasons for being there - if they're studying or working abroad, remind them of their goals and how this experience will benefit them in the long run. 
• Encourage self-care - suggest activities they enjoy, such as reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature, to help them relax and de-stress. 

Remember, everyone experiences homesickness differently. What works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to be supportive and understanding, and to let them know that you care. 

Find out more

• Explore our tips on managing student stress. 
• For further mental health support, visit StudentMinds. 
• Discover emotional support guidance from Swansea University.