Missing Home and Family: Finding a Sense of Home Somewhere New

You can stay connected to your loved ones while making space for yourself in your new surroundings.

Understanding Homesickness

For many students, starting university means spending an extended period away from family, friends, and familiar surroundings for the first time. Alongside the excitement of a new beginning, you may miss home, your loved ones, or your everyday routines.

Homesickness is a common experience when adjusting to a new environment. You might miss conversations with family, familiar food, speaking your own language, or spending time in a favourite place. These feelings do not mean that you are unprepared for university or unable to live independently.

What Can Help You Adjust?

Give yourself time.
There is no single timeline for settling into a new place. Some days you may feel more comfortable, while on others you may miss home more intensely. Try to acknowledge your feelings without judging yourself and move forward at your own pace.

Stay connected with people who matter to you.
Keeping in touch with family, friends, or others who help you feel supported can be comforting. Finding times to connect that fit your daily routine can help you maintain existing relationships while making room for experiences in your new environment.

Start with small social steps.
Sharing a meal with a classmate, studying together, or attending a campus activity that interests you can help you build connections. You do not have to join large gatherings straight away; choose activities that feel comfortable for you.

Add personal touches to your living space.
A favourite photograph, a familiar object, or a small decoration may help your surroundings feel more welcoming. Create a comfortable space within your means and any shared accommodation rules.

Develop a daily routine.
Regular times for sleeping, eating, studying, and resting can bring a sense of stability to everyday life. Small habits, such as taking a short walk, listening to music you enjoy, or preparing a familiar meal, may also offer comfort.

Make room for new experiences at your own pace.
Exploring the campus and local area, spending time on your interests, and meeting new people can help you develop a sense of belonging. Building new connections does not mean replacing your loved ones or your home; it allows you to add new relationships and experiences to your life.

When Can You Seek Support?

You can seek support whenever you find homesickness difficult to manage. Speaking with a professional may be particularly helpful if sadness, anxiety, or loneliness persists, becomes more intense, or affects your sleep, eating habits, studies, or everyday life.

You do not need to wait until difficulties become overwhelming before reaching out.

You Are Not Alone on This Journey

It is possible to miss home and settle into a new place at the same time. While maintaining connections with your loved ones, you can also develop relationships and routines that help you feel safe and connected in your new surroundings.

Contact the Altınbaş Kıbrıs University Guidance and Psychological Counselling Centre for information about available support services and how to arrange an appointment.

Give yourself time. Reaching out for support is a valuable step as you adjust to your new life.