Living on your own and transitioning to university life in a new city can be daunting, and it's totally normal to miss spending time with your family, walking through your neighbourhood, hanging out with school friends, or even playing with your pets back at home.
Homesickness can affect anyone at any point of time in their university life, no matter how ready they thought they were to leave home. If you're staying in the city during reading week, the extra quiet time might make you feel more aware of your feelings but it's also a great time to build new routines. It’s important to learn the causes and the ways to manage it so you can start feeling at home during your time at King’s.
Why do I feel homesick?
Missing home
If you’re feeling homesick, you probably miss home and the people there who you know, love and care about. You may also miss things that are close to you, like your room, the view from your window or the smell of home-cooked food. It’s natural for us to get attached to things and people we grew up around, and it’s completely okay to miss them when they aren’t around.
New environment
Unfamiliar environments cause anxiety and culture shock. At first, the differences might be intriguing, and you may feel excited, stimulated and curious. Later, the differences may make you feel confused and lonely, which can lead to homesickness.
How can I cope with homesickness?
Accept your feelings
Acknowledging your feelings is the first step to overcome homesickness. You aren’t weak, less than anyone, or not cut out for university life. It’s a normal response to big changes, and it will fade in time as you get used to your new environment.
Keep yourself busy
By establishing a routine and keeping yourself occupied with things you enjoy, you can ease feelings of homesickness. Being alone and idle often makes you dwell on what you miss, so try to stay engaged. Go for a walk, explore your new neighbourhood, spend more time getting to know your flatmates, study at the library, or get a part-time job.
Personalise your space
Personalise your room with photos, decor or items that make you feel at home. Surrounding yourself with things that reflect your memories and what you love can turn unfamiliar environments into your new safe space. Adding a few plants can also uplift your mood and bring freshness to your room.
Be active and join societies
Joining KCLSU societies that you are interested in can help you meet people who may be experiencing similar feelings and help you build a sense of home away from home. Get active by using King’s gyms or attending King’s sports sessions to pull thoughts away from your home and make lasting memories during your time at King’s. Helping others by volunteering will also allow you to meet new people, build friendships, and feel part of a community.
Reach out for help
Homesickness is not a taboo, and you are not alone. If you need some support, reach out your Faculty Wellbeing Advisors.
Alternatively, you can come along to the Time Out Hubs every Tuesday and Thursday during term time to meet new people, try a relaxing activity and get support from the KCLSU Advice team Student Wellbeing Ambassadors (fellow King’s students).