Feeling lonely or homesick is a common experience for many students and is a normal part of adjusting to a new environment. It can occur at any time during your time at university experience. 

Loneliness can manifest as a sense of disconnection or isolation from others, whilst homesickness often involves longing for familiar surroundings or missing home. 

Loneliness 

Loneliness is very common at university, and it is likely that you are not the only person you know feeling lonely! It is important to recognise that feeling lonely is normal and part of the adjustment process as you settle in to new surroundings. 

 Make new connections 

Join an Activity Group 

• Engage in activities that interest you by joining a sports team, society, or representational network. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and to feel a sense of belonging whilst at university. 

Attend events 

• The Students’ Union offers a variety of events that are perfect for meeting people, and it is perfectly fine to attend events by yourself. Although this can feel daunting, it’s a great way to meet others. 

• Attend evening events such as our weekly quizzes, or club nights. Alternatively, we host lots of other events such as crafting or decorating events – keep an eye out on our website. Keeping busy can help distract you from feelings of homesickness. 

Speak to your classmates 

• It may be worth reaching out to some of your classmates to see if they want to form a study group, or hang out outside of lectures. It may be that you already have a course group-chat, but if not, make one! This can not only help academically, but also help to provide a sense of community and support. 

Your living space 

Personalise your space 

• Decorate your room with photos, posters, and items that remind you of home. A familiar item can be very comforting, and surrounding yourself with familiar faces and pictures can help to make you feel more connected to wherever you’ve come from. 

Self-care and wellbeing 

Exercise 

• Regular physical activity can boost your mood and help to reduce feelings of loneliness. Join the campus gym, a sports team or society, or just take yourself on a walk around campus. There’s a lovely pond by the Bowers Building on the KAC, or lots of green spaces and a pond at WDC. (Photos?)  

Diet 

• Try to maintain a balanced diet and eat healthily. Eating unhealthy or processed food may be contributing to how you are feeling, whilst healthy foods can keep your energy levels up and improve your overall wellbeing. 

Commuting Students  

An increasing number of students now choose to live outside of Winchester and commute in for their course. If you are a commuting student and sometimes feel isolated, you are not alone! Many commuters find it challenging to fully engage in university life due to their outside commitments. This network aims to offer support, build connections, and create a sense of belonging for these students. For more information on how to join this network, including how to access the commuters’ lounge, click here: Commuting Students Network @ Winchester Student Union (winchesterstudents.co.uk) 

 

Homesickness 

Homesickness is a natural response to being away from familiar surroundings and loved ones. It often involves missing certain people or places and can also cause feelings of loneliness and anxiety. 

According to the National Union of Students (NUS) as many as 70% of freshers feel homesick within the first few days of joining University, but this can continue into the semester as well. 

 

Stay connected with home 

Communication  

• If possible, schedule regular calls or video chats with family and friends back home. Regular contact can provide you with support and help you feel more connected to those back home. 

Care packages 

• If possible, suggest that your family send you some care packages with your favourite snacks, photos, or small gifts. Small gestures like these remind you that your loved ones are thinking of you and can help alleviate feelings of homesickness. 

 

Set realistic expectations 

You aren’t expected to adjust to living away from home overnight be patient with yourself. It’s important to acknowledge that feeling homesick is normal and temporary. Allow yourself to feel these emotions without guilt. Give yourself time to adjust and be kind to yourself during this transition period. 

Immerse yourself in your new home 

Often, homesickness is driven by the unfamiliarity of your surroundings. You can help get to know your new home by learning about the local area and finding places and spaces where you feel comfortable.  

The West Downs and King Alfred Campus’, alongside Winchester itself has lots to offer! Take time and immerse yourself in exploring the city, finding new favourite places to eat to visit. 

Set a date to visit home, and stick to it 

It might be tempting to go back home at the first opportunity, but the first few weeks of University are when friends are made and you really settle in. If possible, set a date a few weeks into term to visit home – perhaps Progress (Reading) Week? That way, you’ll have something to look forward to. 

 

General Tips

Behaviours to avoid: 

1. Scrolling on social media: Spending lots of time on social media can make you feel more out of touch with your surroundings. It's easy to get caught up in what everyone back home is doing, so limit your time on social media. (Link to Digital Detox, when it is created towards the end of November.  

2. Spending too much time alone: Try to join in on activities and meet new friends. Being around others can help lift your spirits if you’re feeling lonely. Get to know others who live near you, perhaps those in the same Student Accommodation as you!  

3. Making impulsive decisions: Feeling homesick can lead to rash decisions like wanting to drop everything and go home. Give yourself time to think things through before acting on these urges. 

4. Ignoring your health: Don't let your wellbeing fall to the wayside. Make sure you eat well, get enough sleep, move your body, and tend to your personal hygiene. Looking after your physical health is an important piece in feeling well mentally. 

Seeking support 

There’s lots of support available to you whilst at university, if you are feeling lonely or homesick. Why not try some of the following... 

Winchester Students’ Union Advice Centre 

Winchester Student Union Advice Centre can be accessed by all current University of Winchester students. We aim to support students to make their own informed choices by offering free, impartial advice and information, on a range of matters. 

We operate independently from the University of Winchester and specialise in supporting students with academic issues. We can also advise students on issues such as money worries, wellbeing or problems with housing. If we can’t help you we will signpost you on to someone who can! 

Student Listeners Wellbeing Cafe 

We also run a Wellbeing Cafe down in the Terrace from 2-4pm on Wednesdays. The Wellbeing Cafe is a friendly, informal space where students can drop-in for a drink, socialise, play games, or chat with a Student Listener. 

Join us and our weekly guests, Mars the Therapy Dog, Counsellers from Winchester Youth Counselling, and the Samaritans!

Student Support and Success 

The University’s Student Support and Success Team can provide wellbeing services, including a team of professional and approachable counsellors and mental health advisers who can provide you with a confidential space to be listened to and to help explore issues.