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Whether you are missing your home comforts, such as your family, pets, a clean kitchen, or home-cooked meals, there are plenty of ways to help get through challenging times at university. From first year to post-grad, missing home is something anyone can struggle with. It doesn’t make you vulnerable or mean that you’re not enjoying university, everyone just needs their home sometimes. 

aAh! Magazine shares some tips on how to deal with homesickness.

Tip 1: Indulge yourself by cooking one of your favourite home meals

Although it may not turn out as delicious as home, it is something that can help us feel closer to the people and places you are missing. From a hearty breakfast sandwich to a cosy roast dinner on a Sunday, if your flatmates or course friends chip in and gather for a meal this can be a really inexpensive and fun way to gain the feeling of being at home. 

Another tip when it comes to cooking is to try your best not to cook alone. Put yourself forward in your group chats and ask if anyone wants to cook or eat together. You’ll be surprised by how many people would prefer it. 

Tip 2: Stick to a weekly routine

Even though waking up early in the morning can be tricky, getting yourself into a routine can help you sleep better, eat healthier, and have a better mindset by being organised. Making a to-do list the night before can help to get everything organised for the week ahead, and setting reminders on your phone can help you keep on top of assignments which will help you feel less stressed and more accomplished. 

Tip 3: Plan a trip home

Visiting home might not seem like the best thing when trying to adjust to living alone, but scheduling a break from university life will cure your homesickness and motivate you to make the most of your short time at university. (There’s also no place like home when you’re feeling alone).

Tip 4: Keep busy on weekends

The weekends are the hardest part of being away from home because they’re the quietest period in your university timetable. However, the best part about living in a busy developing city is that there is always something going on. From pottery painting to raves to beautiful parks, Manchester is the best place for you to try new hobbies and find something to do. 

You don’t need to stay in the centre, either. If Market Street or Piccadilly is too busy and overwhelming, you can take the tram or hop on a £2 bus to Didsbury village, Chorlton, the Trafford Centre, Altrincham, Sale or Media City. This is a great way to pass the time and explore this upbeat city.

Tip 5: Remind yourself why you came to university

Many students attend university not only as part of their academic journey but as a way to develop themselves personally. University is a chance to discover yourself and your interests and to focus on a study that you have chosen. Whenever you feel down or upset about missing home, remember how proud your past self would be for reaching this part of your journey.

Manchester Met’s Counselling, Mental Health and Wellbeing team are on hand if you need someone to talk to, listen and help. If you are feeling anxious or worried, or just need someone to talk to in confidence, reach out to them today. You can access help from the service in the following ways:

• One-to-one appointments with the team of specialists, who can make recommendations based on your needs and make referrals to other support services
• They offer a range of wellbeing workshops and courses on a range of topics including managing stress, overcoming social anxiety and mindfulness
• You can access a range of online self-help information 24/7, including wellbeing podcasts
• They can also refer you to an online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) programme called SilverCloud