Defeating Homesickness

It’s been two weeks since university resumed for most of us, but after all the good food from Christmas and New Year’s how can one not miss home??? 

I do for sure! I didn’t actually go back home this year, instead I decided to travel (considering this is my last year at uni). But after 4 years of consistently being away from home, I have learnt ways to deal with my homesickness. There nothing wrong with admitting you’re homesick, after all university is a ground to test one’s independence and indeed it does mature you in all the good ways. 

Here are some tips on how to not feel as homesick when you are at UEA

1. Get out of your room

I cannot emphasise this more! Staying in your room makes you feel bored which then makes you miss home and sends you in a downward spiral of thoughts. Nobody wants that! If your housemates are at home/ in your flat, spend time with them. Consider bringing your work to the library, UEA’s library is 24/7 and it is always nice to bump into a friendly face on campus for a quick chat in between your revision.  A healthy amount of time by yourself is fine as long as you’re not cooped up in your room all the time.

2. Get more involved 

There are over 200 societies and clubs in UEA, so you have no excuse! Join a new sport or a cultural society, you get to keep fit as well as broaden your knowledge on other cultures. Most societies have ongoing events as well for you to participate and get yourself out there! Being around people eliminates loneliness and you might get to meet some great people too!

3. Stay Positive 

Remember all the hobbies you used to have when you were at home? Try finding a way to incorporate that into your uni life. I for one love cooking and experimenting with recipes back in Singapore, and I do the same here. Engaging with hobbies that are therapeutic and reminding of home makes me happier.

4.      4. Keep in touch (but not too much) 

Remember to ring your loved ones back at home once in a while. Try not to depend on them too much and venture out of your way to make trusting and reliable friends in university. They go a long way! Connecting with your loved ones across the globe frequently is only going to make you miss them more. So be careful about it and aim to strike a balance in spending time with your circle of friends in university and back home J

5    5. Don't be so hard on yourself 

You have packed your bags, travelled too a foreign country and you are now studying for a degree. Not many people have the same amount of courage to be able to do the things you have done. When something negative happens try to remind yourself that this is just temporary and that you will rise up and get back on track again. UEA also has a wellbeing service system for students in need and you are more than welcome to use their services. https://portal.uea.ac.uk/student-support-service/wellbeing

Finally, remember to encourage yourself and be strong, confide in some good friends and remember that University is about having a good experience and you will never get this opportunity again! Hope you all have a fruitful time at UEA

-          Joanne Sursas (Singaporean Ambassador :)