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Posted Nov. 18, 2013
Dealing With Homesickness as a Postgrad
With the amount of self-study involved in postgraduate studies and the lack of familiar surroundings, it’s not unusual for postgrad students to experience homesickness at some stage, but don’t worry, there’s plenty you can do about it. Broadly speaking, you need to make yourself at home in your new environment, build a social and support network, and give yourself a sense of control.
If you haven't lived away from home before, practise having a few nights away to get yourself used to it. Also, consider carefully which type of postgrad accommodation will suit you best, since this influences the type of social contact you will have. Once at university, take some time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Walk around campus and get a feel for where things are, in particular the library, your faculty, the sporting facilities and the cafeteria. It’s also important to make sure you feel safe, mentally and physically, so give some thought to how you will achieve this.
Feeling helpless about your situation increases homesickness, so take control over the time and nature of your separation from home. Book a return trip home for the next break. It will give you something to look forward to, though by then you may have discovered a whole new world to enjoy and may not want to go home, so make sure you book a flexible ticket! It's also important to have some control over your day, so set yourself a daily routine and stick to it as best you can - and make sure you get enough sleep!
If you spend all your time studying, feelings of isolation and homesickness may increase, so you need to build a network of social and support contacts. If you are living in a hall of residence there will be social events early in the academic year, which offer you a chance to meet the other residents. Go to these, and to any functions put on by your faculty or occurring around your university. Talk to your postgrad tutor and see if they can put you in touch with other postgraduate students. Get yourself a ‘study buddy’ – someone in a similar situation with whom you meet regularly to talk and support each other.
If part of your homesickness is from loss of culture, you may find your cultural group amongst one of your university's many clubs and societies, though you should still socialise across the wider university community. Universities have lots of sports and interest societies you can join, so find something fun to do! Either do something you already love or try something you’ve always wanted to do. It’s hard to be homesick when you’re busy having fun!
Even if your days are busy, it's still important to stay connected with home. Social media and electronic communications are a great way to keep in touch but there's nothing quite like hearing a familiar voice, so don't forget to pick up the phone too!
Homesickness is a normal part of postgrad life and it’s usually mild. However, if your homesickness is severe and is impairing your ability to function, study or socialise properly, then you may need some outside help. Fortunately there are many places you can seek advice .
All these strategies should help in the longer term, but if you're homesick right now, distract yourself with study or pick up the phone and call someone.
Related articles
If you haven't lived away from home before, practise having a few nights away to get yourself used to it. Also, consider carefully which type of postgrad accommodation will suit you best, since this influences the type of social contact you will have. Once at university, take some time to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Walk around campus and get a feel for where things are, in particular the library, your faculty, the sporting facilities and the cafeteria. It’s also important to make sure you feel safe, mentally and physically, so give some thought to how you will achieve this.
Feeling helpless about your situation increases homesickness, so take control over the time and nature of your separation from home. Book a return trip home for the next break. It will give you something to look forward to, though by then you may have discovered a whole new world to enjoy and may not want to go home, so make sure you book a flexible ticket! It's also important to have some control over your day, so set yourself a daily routine and stick to it as best you can - and make sure you get enough sleep!
If you spend all your time studying, feelings of isolation and homesickness may increase, so you need to build a network of social and support contacts. If you are living in a hall of residence there will be social events early in the academic year, which offer you a chance to meet the other residents. Go to these, and to any functions put on by your faculty or occurring around your university. Talk to your postgrad tutor and see if they can put you in touch with other postgraduate students. Get yourself a ‘study buddy’ – someone in a similar situation with whom you meet regularly to talk and support each other.
If part of your homesickness is from loss of culture, you may find your cultural group amongst one of your university's many clubs and societies, though you should still socialise across the wider university community. Universities have lots of sports and interest societies you can join, so find something fun to do! Either do something you already love or try something you’ve always wanted to do. It’s hard to be homesick when you’re busy having fun!
Even if your days are busy, it's still important to stay connected with home. Social media and electronic communications are a great way to keep in touch but there's nothing quite like hearing a familiar voice, so don't forget to pick up the phone too!
Homesickness is a normal part of postgrad life and it’s usually mild. However, if your homesickness is severe and is impairing your ability to function, study or socialise properly, then you may need some outside help. Fortunately there are many places you can seek advice .
All these strategies should help in the longer term, but if you're homesick right now, distract yourself with study or pick up the phone and call someone.
Related articles
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Louis Oct. 31, 2016, 6:18 a.m.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic article post.Thanks Again. Much obliged.