No matter how excited you are to start university, it’s probably the first time you’ll have had to fend for yourself – doing your own cooking, cleaning, and laundry, right?
Though some may not show it as much as others, almost everyone experiences feelings of homesickness after moving away to university. These feelings are absolutely natural and to be expected when leaving home, and they don’t last forever.
Here Orlando Village share some top tips on what you can do when you’re missing home.
5 ways to deal with homesickness
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Stay in touch with loved ones
– absence makes the heart grow fonder but, after spending more time apart than ever before, you’re bound to feel isolated and upset.
Thanks to mobile phones, WhatsApp group chats, and Facetime, keeping in touch with home has never been easier. Your family and friends are always at the other end of the phone if you ever need to talk. And don’t forget, your housemates might be in the same position as you, so turn to them when you’re feeling low.
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Keep yourself busy
– as tempting as it might be to sit in your room, don’t! Spending increased amounts of time indoors, on your own, will only make you miss home even more than you already do.
Try to plan days out on your days off uni, study at the library rather than in your room, find a part-time job, or join a club or society. Perhaps you could arrange movie marathons with your housemates? We can’t speak for all providers, but our student accommodation in Bolton has a communal area, known as “The Hub”, which is great for socialising.
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Give your student accommodation a more homely vibe
– you’re going to be spending a lot of time in your room, either chilling, studying, or sleeping. Therefore, you want to make it as cosy as possible.
Simple things, like hanging photographs, draping fairy lights, and adding soft furnishing can make a huge difference. And be sure to bring any home comforts to university with you – be it a teddy bear or blanket you’ve had since you were little.
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Do some exercise
– exercising is not only good for your health but releases endorphins that make you feel good – keeping those feelings of anxiety and loneliness at bay.
It could be a brisk walk around the block, either on your own with your headphones in or with a housemate, a jog around the local park or a kickabout with your course mates. Whatever you decide to do, it’s sure to take your mind off home for a short while, at least.
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Self-care
– let’s be clear, self-care is not selfish! It’s a chance to relax, reflect, and recuperate.
A brilliant way to relieve feelings of stress is to treat yourself to a pamper evening. We’re talking face masks, hair masks, manicures, pedicures, oh and let’s not forget the prosecco! Alternatively, you could invite a few friends over to your student accommodation to watch a film or tuck into some delicious home-cooked food.
By far the best thing you can do to prevent homesickness is to secure a room at our student accommodation in Bolton. No more than a 10-minute walk from the main campus and Bolton town centre, our halls are easily accessible on foot and via public transport.
Every room is equipped with a comfy single or ¾ bed, depending on whether you opt for a Bronze or Silver room, as well as a desk, chair, wardrobe, shelves and washbasin. What’s more, bills and Wi-Fi are included in the monthly rent – meaning you can manage your money better.
To find out more about our availability for 2021/22, get in touch with Orlando Village today. You can either call us on 01204 903 488 or email info@orlandovillage.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.