Making UNI your home!

Hi, I’m Emma and I started university 3 weeks ago, moved 4 hours away from home and knew no-one. One thing that I’ve noticed is that living in accommodation can make it difficult for your university to feel like home. There are lots of tips and tricks online but I am going to compile them into one Blogpost to make it easier for you!

Quick and easy tips

Firstly, through trial and error, I believe has helped me get through the homesickness is to bring a scent from home! It sounds simple but asking a parent what washing powder, Febreeze or washing up liquid they use will help remind you of home.

Secondly, although it is exciting to buy an all new wardrobe with matching appliances, this might make your room feel completely isolating as there is no familiarity. This is an easy solve, just make sure you have a couple things such as teddies, books or bedding/pillows from your own room to help you feel more comfortable in your new room.

One trick that might take more time but will help you on those down days is to get photographs printed of friends and family and display them in your room. As I have experienced first hand your university can sometimes feel like a completely different place than home. Although home can be far away, you haven’t just left your old life behind! By having these photos, it will remind you of home but can also start conversation with your new friends about your ones at home.

Lastly, FACETIME! Even though you are making new friends and adjusting to a new routine this doesn’t mean that you can’t set aside even 5 minutes to call a friend or family member from home. Talking on the phone works but being able to talk face-to-face has helped me immensely with settling in introducing your family to your new flatmates and friends will help connect the two worlds together and slowly you’ll start to see your accommodation as your home!