Homesick, Not Hopeless: Building Your Own ‘Home’ at Uni

Starting university is exciting. You might have imagined yourself walking around campus with new friends, enjoying freedom, and feeling completely at home in your new city. Yet for many students, especially those moving away from family and familiar surroundings, the reality includes a very different feeling: homesickness.

Homesickness is not just missing your family or your hometown. It can be a deep sense of longing for what is familiar, a discomfort that makes everything from lectures to grocery shopping feel heavier. Even students who have dreamed for years about moving away can experience it. If you are feeling this way, you are far from alone. In fact, studies show that most students go through it at some point during their first year.

The good news is that homesickness does not mean you made a mistake in moving away. It means your brain is adjusting to a big change, and that takes time. While you may never recreate your family kitchen or your childhood bedroom exactly, you can create something just as comforting: your own version of “home” in this new stage of life.

Step 1: Personalise Your Space
Your student room might start out feeling plain or even a little cold. That is normal. The first step in making it yours is to add items that feel familiar and comforting. This might be photos, a blanket you love, a favourite mug, or even a small plant. Surrounding yourself with personal touches gives you a sense of belonging, even in a brand-new environment.

If you cannot bring a lot from home, think about creating new symbols of comfort. A scented candle that reminds you of your favourite season, a poster from a place you love, or a soft lamp that changes the atmosphere can all help.

Step 2: Build a Routine
One reason home feels like home is that it has predictable rhythms. You probably had certain days for laundry, regular mealtimes, or rituals like Sunday dinners. At university, days can feel chaotic at first, which can make you feel even more unsettled. Building a routine is a powerful way to create stability.

This does not have to be rigid. It could be something as simple as having a morning coffee in the same spot each day, or setting aside a regular evening for calling family or friends from home. The more small anchors you have in your week, the more grounded you will feel.

Step 3: Create New Connections
One of the fastest ways to turn a new place into a home is to connect with people in it. Homesickness often feels stronger when you are physically alone for long stretches. Even if you are not an extrovert, finding a few regular social points in your week can make a big difference.

Look for activities that match your interests, whether it is a sports team, a cultural society, or a study group. Digital tools like Studinty can also help you find others who share your background, hobbies, or academic path, so you can start building friendships even outside official university events. Remember, meaningful connections often start with something small, like chatting with the person next to you in a lecture or joining a casual coffee meet-up.

Step 4: Keep Links to Home Without Living in the Past
It is natural to want to stay in touch with the people and places you miss. Regular calls or messages can help you feel supported, but try to balance them with engagement in your current life. If all your downtime is spent talking to people back home, you might find it harder to settle into your new surroundings.

A healthy approach is to maintain those relationships while also giving yourself room to grow new ones. Think of it as having two homes — the one you came from and the one you are creating now.

Step 5: Be Patient With Yourself
Homesickness is often strongest in the first weeks or months, then gradually fades. There is no fixed timeline, and it is not a sign of weakness if it lasts longer than you expected. Adjusting to a new home is a process. Every time you navigate a local shop, chat with a new friend, or cook your own meal, you are building familiarity and confidence.

Remember that the discomfort you feel now is part of the transition to independence. In time, your university town or city will have its own comforting landmarks, routines, and people who make you feel at home. You are not losing your old home, you are gaining a new one.