Joining university is massive. It’s a huge change and, despite feeling excited to be here, you might also sometimes have a bit of a wobble.

Feeling homesick is actually quite common and not something to feel worried about because you’re not doing anything wrong. What could you do to give yourself a bit of a boost and feel more like you belong?

Here are a few suggestions on how you to feel more at home at university:

Explore campus

While it’s good to put effort into making your room feel cosy and comforting you may also want to explore the many coffee shops and hidden gems on campus. It can feel good to explore, start to find places familiar, and feel more rooted in where you are. Check our online campus map or speak to people wearing ‘Ask me’ badges if you get lost.

Start a conversation

It may feel daunting to walk into your campus kitchen and start up a conversation. But you can be reassured that everyone probably feels as nervous as you. If you start small, say spending 15 minutes in the shared kitchen to begin with, you could build up to a longer time and more regular interactions. It will be worth it – gaining the benefit of a friendly social connection, an invite out or a welcoming chat.

Don’t compare

Don’t compare or fall into the trap of thinking that everyone else on Instagram is having a better time than you are. People don’t often share on social media how uncertain they’re feeling. Don’t believe all you see.

Join a society

Your Students’ Union has over 180 societies, from the Anime and Manga Society to the Circus Society. If there’s not a society that floats your boat, you could even create your own. Having something regular in your diary could be a really good opportunity to meet people who are interested in things similar to you.

Volunteer

The Students’ Union runs on volunteer help - whether that’s Student Reps or people to run the language café. Your contribution would be massively appreciated, and it will also give you a pool of ready-made friends to buddy up with. Find out more about SU volunteering opportunities.

BAME network

The BAME network meets every Wednesday from 2-3pm in Meeting Room 1 at Falmer House. It’s somewhere that students of colour can talk about anything concerning them, collaborate and connect with other students. They describe themselves as a safe space with tea, coffee and snacks too. You’re invited to email khadija.h@sussexstudent.com or haris.j@sussexstudent.com for more information.

Join the Language Café

You could make use of the masses of language know-how at the university and join an event at the Language Café to learn anything from English, Cantonese, and Arabic to British Sign Language. The café is open to all levels, from beginners to advanced, and they also need volunteers.

Buddy scheme

The Student Union runs a Buddy Scheme where students are matched together based on their preferences, such as interests and course. Your buddy will regularly keep in touch with you, check in on you and see how you’re getting on, and also share their own experiences and tips. Buddies aren’t trained counsellors, but they can signpost you to where you might access support.

Download the Sussex Mobile App

Download the Sussex Mobile App onto your phone for the latest news and events on campus.

Call home

But you might not want to do it every day. Give yourself a chance to fill your time with new connections and new relationships that might feel as fulfilling as your old ones.

Register for counselling

If homesickness isn’t something that is passing and is getting in the way of making relationships or engaging with your academic or social life, then you might wish to register with the University Counselling Service, book an assessment and speak with a member of the counselling team about how they might be able to help.

Or you may feel more comfortable with an online option. Togetherall is a 24/7 online community where you can access (anonymously) mutual support, self-assessment, self-guided courses, and creative tools for expressing yourself.