Worried About Feeling Homesick During Freshers Week? Here's Our Tips

Moving into student accommodation brings an instant shift in perspective. The room smells different, the light hits the walls at a new angle, and the quiet moments after your family drives away can feel heavy. If you feel a sudden tug towards home during your first few weeks, you are not short of company.

Around 70% of UK students report feeling homesick during their first term. It is a natural reaction to leaving familiar surroundings. Overcoming it is not about pretending you do not miss home, but more about building new routines that make your current surroundings feel homely.

How do you know if you are experiencing homesickness?

Homesickness often presents as a mix of emotional lows and subtle physical reactions. You might find yourself withdrawing socially, feeling irritable, or struggling to focus during your lectures.

Common signs include:

• Low mood, anxiety, or unusual irritability
• Disrupted sleep patterns or constant fatigue
• Changes in your appetite, stomach aches, or lingering headaches
• A lack of motivation to leave your flat

Recognising these feelings allows you to take small, practical steps to address them.

What is the best way to handle homesickness in your first term?

The most effective way to manage homesickness is to balance active engagement on campus with gentle personal care.

How do you build a new routine?

Focus on filling your days with activities. Join a sports club or an interest-based society at the freshers fair. Keeping a structured schedule gives your mind less time to linger on missing home, while naturally introducing you to people with similar interests.

How often should you call home?

Maintain regular contact, but set sensible boundaries. Video calling every night can make the physical distance feel more intense. Try scheduling two or three catch-ups a week instead. This provides space to focus on conversations with new friends and flatmates.

How can you make your room feel more comfortable?

Bring familiar items from home to ground your space. Unpack your favourite duvet cover, set up photos of friends, and put a soft rug on the floor. Personalising your environment helps your room transition from an unfamiliar space into your own personal retreat.

Why is exploring your local area helpful?

Step outside and get your bearings. Walk the route to your lecture halls, locate the nearest supermarket, and test out local coffee shops. Turning an unfamiliar city into a familiar place makes daily life feel under control.

How do you look after your physical health?

Prioritise basic wellness habits. Cook balanced meals, drink enough water, and stick to a regular sleep pattern. Physical fatigue often amplifies emotional stress, so keeping your body rested makes a substantial difference.

Who can you talk to if you need extra support?

If feelings of sadness persist after your first few weeks, reach out to the support networks around you. You can speak directly to your accommodation team, contact your university student services department, or register with a local GP. Organisations like Student Minds also offer free online resources tailored to university transitions.

Give yourself time to adjust. Settling in is a gradual process, and every small step you take helps turn your accommodation into a proper base for the years ahead.