10 Key Suggestions on How to Deal with Home Sickness as a Student

Being away from home and living on your own can be exciting, but it's perfectly normal to feel homesick from time to time. If you're struggling with homesickness, don't worry, you're not alone! Here are 10 tips to help you deal with feeling homesick while living in student accommodation in Leicester.

1. Stay connected with family and friends

Staying connected with your loved ones is essential to overcoming homesickness. Set aside some time each week to catch up with your family and friends over the phone or video chat. Share your experiences and ask about their lives too. Being away from home can be difficult, especially when you're in a new place, surrounded by new people and unfamiliar environments. Homesickness can be overwhelming and can make it challenging to adjust to a new place. However, staying connected with family and friends can help you overcome homesickness and make the transition easier.

Firstly, staying in touch with loved ones can help you feel less alone. When you are far from home, it's easy to feel isolated and disconnected from the people who matter most to you. Talking to your family and friends regularly can help you feel like you are still a part of their lives and remind you that you are not alone. It can also provide a sense of comfort and support, knowing that there are people who care about you and are there for you.

Secondly, staying connected can help you stay grounded and maintain a sense of continuity. Being in a new place can be disorienting, and it's easy to feel like everything is unfamiliar and unpredictable. Talking to people from home can help you maintain a connection to your past and your roots, and can help you feel more anchored in the present. It can also help you maintain your sense of identity, as you can continue to share your experiences and values with the people who know you best.

Thirdly, staying connected with family and friends can help you stay motivated and focused. When you are feeling homesick, it's easy to become disheartened and lose sight of your goals. However, talking to people who believe in you and support your goals can help you stay motivated and focused on the future. They can remind you of your strengths and encourage you to keep going, even when things are tough.

In summary, staying connected with family and friends can be a powerful tool for overcoming homesickness. It can help you feel less alone, stay grounded, maintain a sense of continuity, and stay motivated and focused. So, make sure you set aside some time each week to catch up with your loved ones, share your experiences, and ask about theirs. It's an essential part of adjusting to a new place and making the most of your experience.

2. Decorate your student accommodation

Make your student accommodation in Leicester feel like home by decorating it with things that remind you of your family and friends. Hang up some photos, put out your favourite knick-knacks, and surround yourself with familiar items. Decorating your student accommodation can be a great way to help alleviate homesickness. Being away from family and friends can be tough, especially when you're starting a new chapter in your life, but adding some personal touches to your living space can make all the difference.

By bringing some of your favourite items and decorations from home, you can create a familiar and comfortable environment that reminds you of the people and places you love. Hanging up photos of  

family and friends, displaying treasured keepsakes, and placing beloved trinkets on shelves or desks can all help make your new living space feel more like home.

Another benefit of decorating your student accommodation is that it can help you to feel more connected to your new surroundings. By adding local art, postcards, or souvenirs to your decor, you can start to feel more at home in your new city or town. This can also be a great conversation starter for meeting new people and making friends.

In addition to personalizing your space, decorating can also help with organization and productivity. By setting up a comfortable and functional workspace, you can feel more focused and motivated to tackle your studies. This can help you to feel more in control and less overwhelmed, which can also help to reduce feelings of homesickness.

Ultimately, decorating your student accommodation can help to create a sense of comfort and familiarity in a new and unfamiliar environment. By taking the time to make your space your own, you can start to feel more at home and less homesick, allowing you to fully enjoy your university experience.

3. Join a student club or society

Joining a student club or society is an excellent way to meet new people and get involved in campus life. Whether you're interested in sports, music, or activism, there's something for everyone. You'll make new friends and create new memories in no time. For students, homesickness can be a common experience, especially during the first few weeks or months of their academic journey. It can be challenging to adjust to a new environment, culture, and way of life. However, joining a student club or society can be an effective way to cope with homesickness.

One of the most significant benefits of joining a student club or society is the opportunity to meet new people. When you are far from home, socializing and making connections with others can provide a sense of belonging and reduce feelings of loneliness. You will have the chance to meet people with similar interests, goals, and backgrounds, which can help you feel more connected to your new community. Participating in club activities, such as group outings, game nights, or volunteer work, can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.

Moreover, joining a student club or society can expose you to new experiences and perspectives. You may learn about different cultures, traditions, or lifestyles that you wouldn't have encountered otherwise. This can broaden your horizons and help you appreciate diversity. Additionally, getting involved in club events or projects can enhance your skills, knowledge, and creativity. You may develop leadership, communication, or teamwork skills that will benefit you in your academic and professional life.

Finally, joining a student club or society can give you a break from academic stress and homesickness. Engaging in activities that you enjoy can provide a much-needed escape and boost your mood. It can also help you prioritize self-care and balance your academic and personal life.

In conclusion, joining a student club or society can be an effective way to combat homesickness and enrich your college experience. It can help you meet new people, learn new things, and have fun while adjusting to a new environment. So, if you are feeling homesick, consider exploring the clubs and societies available on your campus and find the ones that align with your interests and values.

4. Explore the city

Leicester is a vibrant and exciting city with lots to see and do. Take some time to explore the city and its many attractions, such as the Leicester Cathedral or the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. You'll feel more at home as you become familiar with the city. Homesickness is a common feeling experienced by many people, especially those who are new to a city or country. It can be tough to adjust to a new place, and it's easy to feel isolated and alone. However, exploring the city is a great way to combat homesickness and start feeling more comfortable in your new surroundings.

One of the most significant benefits of exploring the city is that it can help you become familiar with your new home. As you walk around and visit different places, you'll start to feel like you know the city better. You might discover new shops, cafes, or parks that become your favorite spots, and you'll start to feel like you belong in the city. This sense of familiarity can go a long way in making you feel more at home.

Exploring the city is also a great way to meet new people. You might bump into locals as you wander around, strike up a conversation with someone at a museum or art gallery, or join a local group or club that shares your interests. Making new connections can help you feel less alone and give you a support system in your new city.

Another benefit of exploring the city is that it can help you learn more about the culture and history of the place you're living in. Leicester, for example, has a rich history dating back to Roman times. By visiting local landmarks and museums, you can learn more about the city's past and gain a deeper appreciation for the place you now call home.

Overall, exploring the city is a great way to combat homesickness and start feeling more comfortable in your new surroundings. By becoming familiar with the city, meeting new people, and learning more about the local culture and history, you'll start to feel like you belong in your new home.

5. Get acquainted with your accommodation

When moving to a new place, whether it's for work, study, or personal reasons, feeling homesick is a common experience. Homesickness is a feeling of longing for familiar people, places, and things. It can be difficult to adjust to a new environment, especially if you're away from family and friends.

One way to alleviate homesickness is by getting acquainted with your accommodation. Your living space is where you'll spend most of your time, so it's important to make it feel comfortable and welcoming. Here are some ways in which getting to know your accommodation can help with homesickness:

1. Familiarity: Familiarizing yourself with your living space can make you feel more at home. Spend some time exploring your new surroundings, taking note of the layout and features of your accommodation. Knowing where everything is can help you feel more settled in and less disorientated.
2. Personalization: Adding personal touches to your living space can make it feel more like your own. Bring items that remind you of home, such as photos, blankets, or ornaments. This can help create a sense of familiarity and comfort.
3. Comfort: Make sure your living space is comfortable and conducive to rest and relaxation. Invest in comfortable bedding, pillows, and a good mattress. Add soft lighting, cozy rugs, and curtains that provide privacy and insulation. These little touches can make a big difference in how you feel about your new surroundings.
4. Organization: Keeping your living space organized can help reduce stress and anxiety. Find storage solutions that work for you, such as drawers, shelves, or boxes. Make sure everything has its place and that you can easily find what you need. A tidy living space can make you feel more in control and less overwhelmed.
5. Connection: Make connections with people in your accommodation or surrounding community. Attend social events or join clubs that interest you. Having a support network can help combat feelings of loneliness and homesickness.

In conclusion, getting acquainted with your accommodation can be an effective way to combat homesickness. By creating a comfortable and welcoming living space, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and disorientation, and create a sense of familiarity and belonging. Don't be afraid to make your living space your own, and to connect with others in your new environment. Remember, homesickness is a natural part of the adjustment process, and with time and effort, you can feel at home in your new surroundings

6. Stay active

Regular exercise is a great way to boost your mood and relieve stress. Take advantage of the many sports and fitness facilities available at De Montfort University or the University of Leicester. You can also go for a jog or a walk around the city to clear your mind. Staying active can be an effective way to cope with homesickness while studying at university. When you're feeling homesick, it's easy to become overwhelmed by negative emotions like anxiety, stress, and sadness. Regular exercise can help reduce these feelings by increasing the production of endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in your brain. Exercise can also improve your quality of sleep, which can be a common problem when dealing with homesickness.

There are many ways to stay active while at university. Both De Montfort University and the University of Leicester offer a range of sports and fitness facilities, from gym memberships to intramural sports teams. These facilities can be a great way to meet new people and make friends, which can also help combat feelings of homesickness. Joining a sports team or fitness class can provide a sense of community and belonging, which is particularly important when you're feeling lonely and disconnected from home.

If you prefer to exercise alone or are on a tight budget, going for a jog or walk around the city can be a great way to clear your mind and get some fresh air. Leicester has many beautiful parks and green spaces, such as Victoria Park and Abbey Park, which are perfect for outdoor exercise. You can also explore the city and discover new sights and sounds, which can distract you from homesickness and help you feel more connected to your new home.

In addition to the physical benefits of exercise, staying active can also improve your mental health and well-being. Exercise has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, which are common when dealing with homesickness. By taking care of your physical health, you can also boost your self-confidence and feel more empowered to navigate the challenges of studying abroad.

Overall, staying active is an excellent way to cope with homesickness while at university. Whether you prefer to exercise alone or with others, there are many opportunities to stay active and improve your mental and physical well-being. By prioritizing your health and fitness, you can feel more connected to your new home and better equipped to handle the ups and downs of studying abroad.

7. Practice self-care

Take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Eat well, get enough sleep, and practice relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga. Taking care of yourself will help you feel more centred and less homesick. Homesickness is a common emotion that arises when we are away from our familiar surroundings and loved ones. It can be triggered by various factors, such as moving to a new city, starting college, or even traveling for work. Practicing self-care is one way to manage homesickness and feel more grounded and present in the moment.

Taking care of yourself physically and mentally is essential for your overall well-being, and it can also help ease homesickness. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet provides your body with the energy it needs to function correctly, and it also helps you feel better mentally. When you are homesick, you may be tempted to indulge in comfort foods, but it's crucial to maintain a healthy diet to support your body and mind.

Getting enough sleep is also crucial for managing homesickness. Lack of sleep can exacerbate feelings of anxiety and depression, making it harder to cope with homesickness. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to give your body and mind the rest they need to function correctly.

Practicing relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga can help you feel more centred and less homesick. These practices promote mindfulness, which means being present in the moment and focusing on the present rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. By practicing mindfulness, you can learn to manage homesickness and other negative emotions more effectively.

In addition to these self-care practices, it's also important to stay connected with loved ones back home. Technology has made it easier than ever to stay in touch, so take advantage of video calls, text messages, and social media to stay connected with your family and friends. You can also try to make new connections in your current location by joining clubs or organizations that interest you.

In conclusion, homesickness is a natural emotion that arises when we are away from our comfort zone. Practicing self-care is one way to manage homesickness and feel more grounded and centred. By taking care of your physical and mental health and staying connected with loved ones, you can ease homesickness and make the most of your new experiences

8. Connect with your roommates

Your roommates are most likely going through the same experience as you, so make an effort to connect with them. Have a movie night or cook a meal together. You'll feel more at home when you have a sense of community in your student accommodation in Leicester. Living with roommates can be a great opportunity to connect with people who share similar experiences and interests. When you first arrive at your student accommodation in Leicester, it's easy to feel isolated and homesick, but by making an effort to connect with your roommates, you can create a sense of community that can make a big difference in how you feel.

One way to connect with your roommates is by having a movie night. This can be a fun and relaxing way to spend time together, and it can also give you an opportunity to learn more about each other's interests. You could take turns choosing movies, or you could all agree on a theme and select movies that fit the theme. For example, you could choose to watch a series of classic comedies, or you could focus on foreign films.

Another way to connect with your roommates is by cooking a meal together. This can be a great way to bond over food, and it can also be a practical way to share the responsibility of cooking and cleaning up. You could take turns choosing recipes, or you could all work together to create a meal from scratch. This can also be a great opportunity to learn more about each other's cultural backgrounds and favourite foods.

By making an effort to connect with your roommates, you'll not only feel more at home, but you'll also have a built-in support system to help you navigate the challenges of living away from home. You might find that you have more in common with your roommates than you initially thought, and that the connections you make with them can last long after you've graduated from university. So, don't be afraid to reach out and connect with your roommates – it could be one of the best decisions you make during your time in Leicester.

9. Get involved in campus events

Keep an eye out for campus events and activities. Whether it's a concert, a guest lecture, or a charity fundraiser, there's always something happening on campus. Attending these events is a great way to meet new people and feel more connected to your university. When you are away from home for the first time, homesickness is a common experience that many students face. It can be challenging to adjust to a new environment, especially if you are far away from family and friends. However, getting involved with campus events and activities can help alleviate feelings of homesickness and create a sense of belonging.

By attending campus events and activities, you will have the opportunity to meet new people, make friends, and build relationships. You will also have the chance to engage in activities that you enjoy and share common interests with others. This can create a sense of community and connection, which can be crucial in reducing homesickness.

Additionally, participating in campus events and activities can help you become more familiar with your campus and its surroundings. This familiarity can create a sense of comfort and security, making you feel more at home. You may also discover new places to study, relax, and socialize, which can further enhance your university experience.

Moreover, getting involved with campus events and activities can provide a break from your studies and give you a chance to have fun and unwind. This can be a great way to alleviate stress and improve your mental health, which can also help reduce homesickness.

In conclusion, getting involved with campus events and activities can have a positive impact on your university experience, especially if you are feeling homesick. It can help you meet new people, build relationships, create a sense of community, become familiar with your campus, and alleviate stress. So, keep an eye out for campus events and activities and don't be afraid to participate.

9. Give it time

 Finally, remember that feeling homesick is a natural part of the transition to university life. Give yourself time to adjust to your new surroundings, and don't be too hard on yourself if it takes a while. Eventually, you'll feel more comfortable and at home in your student accommodation in Leicester. Being patient and giving it time can be crucial in dealing with homesickness, especially for those who are transitioning to a new phase of their lives, such as moving away from home to attend university. While homesickness can feel overwhelming, it's important to remember that it's a normal feeling that many people experience. It's perfectly natural to miss the comfort and familiarity of your home environment, but that doesn't mean you won't adjust and start to feel more at home in your new surroundings.

One way to make the adjustment process smoother is to focus on building connections and creating a sense of community in your new environment. Joining clubs and organizations, attending events, and reaching out to other students can help you make new friends and establish a support system. By investing time in building these relationships, you'll begin to feel more connected to your new community and less homesick.

Another way to deal with homesickness is to maintain a connection with home while still embracing your new surroundings. This could mean setting up regular video chats with family and friends, decorating your new space with familiar items from home, or incorporating elements of your hometown into your daily routine. By finding a balance between your old life and your new one, you can help ease the transition and feel more at home in your new environment.

Lastly, it's important to be patient with yourself during this adjustment period. Change takes time, and it's natural to feel a bit out of sorts when you first arrive in a new place. Don't be too hard on yourself if you don't feel immediately comfortable or at home. Take things one day at a time and celebrate small victories along the way. Eventually, with patience and time, you'll start to feel more at home in your student accommodation in Leicester.

Final Words

Homesickness is a common experience for many students living in private accommodation in Leicester. But with these 10 tips, you can take steps to overcome homesickness and start feeling more at home in your new surroundings. Remember to take care of yourself, stay connected with loved ones, and get involved in campus life, and before you know it, you'll be enjoying all that Leicester has to offer!