Homesickness is a feeling that comes when you are in a new or unfamiliar environment and all you want is to be back in a comforting place. It can happen to anyone and is a perfectly natural response to missing people, places and routines that make you feel happy and safe.

For international students, this can also mean adjusting to a new culture, food, climate, or even language, all of which can make being away from home feel even more challenging

The good news is that in time feelings of homesickness ease. It doesn’t mean you have made the wrong choice; you are just adjusting to a new environment. Until then there are lots of simple things that you can do to make you feel better.

Why do I feel this way

Anyone can experience homesickness at any time of their lives, but being away from home at a time of great change can be really tough, and starting university is a big transition. Homesickness affects different people in different ways. You may experience it the moment you arrive, or it may creep up on you after the first couple of weeks. It can feel overwhelming at times, or it can be mixed in with other emotions like excitement and enjoyment. Common signs of homesickness can include:

• Missing family, friends, or pets intensely.
  
• Feeling out of place, anxious, or lonely.
  
• Struggling to settle into new routines.
  
• Feeling tearful for no apparent reason.
• Negative thoughts about your new environment.
  
• A lack of motivation or concentration.
• Problems sleeping.
  
• Developing unhealthy eating habits.

it is important to remember that homesickness is something that everyone feels at one time or another. Homesickness is usually temporary, and there are steps you can take to help yourself feel more at home.

What can I do to help now

Here are 4 things you can do right now if you are feeling overwhelmed by homesickness:

• Step outside and get fresh air: even a 10-minute walk around campus or to a local café can shift your perspective and help you feel less stuck.
• Phone or video call someone you trust: hearing a familiar voice, even for a short chat, can provide instant comfort.
• Go to a shared space: go to the library, The SU, your shared kitchen or a common room. Simply being around others can reduce feelings of homesickness.
• Do one small, enjoyable activity: watch a favourite show, listen to uplifting music, or cook a meal that reminds you of home.

Other things you can do to help:

• Let yourself be homesick for a bit. Missing people, home or routines is natural. It doesn’t mean you are weak or made the wrong choice. Accept that you are feeling this way and be kind to yourself.

• Talk to other students about it. Chances are that they are feeling exactly the same as you, and sharing your experiences can help you navigate them together.

• If you are an international student and you are finding language a barrier, then consider attending the International Student Group. Homesickness is not the same as loneliness, but it can contribute to feeling lonely if it prevents you from socialising with other people.

• Join one the The SU cultural groups its a great way to meet people from similar faiths, cultures and countries as you.

• Keeping busy can really help. Join a club or society through the SU, try out something new, or volunteer to meet people. Small changes like studying in the Library instead of your room, or inviting a course mate for lunch, can make a big difference. If you’re an international student, groups like the International Student Group or Friends International are great ways to connect.

• Bring home comforts to university with you. This could be your pictures, ornaments or soft toys that can be comforting when you miss home.

• Keep in touch with home (but not too much). Talking to family or friends back home can lift your mood, but try to balance it with making connections here. Constantly checking social media or old photos may make you feel worse.

• Plan to do one nice thing a day, whether that’s going out with friends or watching your favourite television programme. This will help you develop a positive attitude and help you combat homesickness.

• Exercise is a proven mood booster. Join a team sport to make friends, go swimming or running, or simply head out for a walk. Fresh air, movement, and daylight all support your wellbeing.

• Reach out. Whilst for most people feelings of homesickness will start subsiding within a few weeks, for some it can carry on for much longer or be crippling. If you are finding that homesickness seriously impacting on your ability to carry out everyday tasks and the above suggestions are not helping, then it may be that you need extra support from our Student Support services.

Helpful videos

• How to Deal with Homesickness at University video offers quick, actionable strategies to help students settle in and feel more at home during their first weeks away.
  
• Feeling Homesick at University is a video from the University of Essex where a student shares personal tips on what to do when homesickness strikes at university.

Helpful podcasts

A place for possible podcast shares the experience of 3 bath international students and how they get involved and support their wellbeing. All good tips for homesickness.

Helpful apps

The Be Well app is full of podcasts and resources that can help your overall wellbeing or calm if you are feeling homesick.

Useful websites

• BBC Bitesize has produced a useful guide on homesickness at university: Homesick at university? Check out this helpful guide.
• The Save the Student have 10 tips to help deal with homesickness.
• Student Minds blogs shares some simple tips to overcome homesickness.
  
• For international students culture shock can often lead to feelings of homesickness. UKCISA have useful information on culture chock.
  
• Bath Student Daniela shares some of here tips as an international student to overcome homesickness in this Be Well blog.
  

People you can talk to

The best people you can talk to about homesickness is other students. Your housemates and course mates are probably experiencing the same feelings that you are and knowing this can help tremendously.

• Peer mentors can be a good source of support as they may have experienced this before.
• If you are an international student try the International Student Group to meet other who may be feeling the same way.
• If you need to speak to a professional about your wellbeing our Student Support Advice Team are available and offer in person appointments.

Final thoughts

Feeling homesick is part of adjusting to a big life change, and you’re not alone in it. It doesn’t mean you’re weak or not coping – it means you’re human. Over time, most students find ways to settle, connect, and build a “second home” at university

If homesickness feels too heavy or is affecting your ability to study, sleep, or take care of yourself, please reach out to Student Support. With the right support, it will get easier.

This page was created in partnership with students and Student Support.