Finally, after all the waiting for results and agonising over whether to take two toothbrushes or three, you have arrived at the University of Winchester.

Chances are you’ve had time to settle in.

Chances are you’ve had a few evenings in which you and friends have gathered to discuss the merits of responsible drinking.

However, chances are that you are also feeling a little homesick.

My name is Harry Sampson, your friendly neighbourhood Communications Officer, and I’m going to talk about homesickness.

It can hit at different times; straight away, halfway through a semester, or even in rare cases not at all. Homesickness can manifest itself in nostalgia, depression, anxiety and some abnormal behaviour. What is important is that you recognise that there are several key strategies for managing it. It is hoped this advice will prevent a small worry from becoming a big problem that gets in the way of your university career.

MAKE NEW FRIENDS

I myself arrived without knowing a soul. I remember feeling quite alone, something compounded tenfold by an intense shyness. However, this disappeared immediately when I started to make new friends. It was amazing to discover how many of us were all in the same boat. Usually, the first step can be the hardest; try to set yourself a goal of talking to x people a day. If finding a topic of conversation is difficult, just go with funny cat videos. Solid conversational topic. Just talking, paired with developing a strong friendship group makes settling in a more enjoyable experience.

STAY POSITIVE

Often a positive attitude can be all you need to overcome a lot of obstacles in life, homesickness included. Simple exercise (of mind and body) often helps a lot. Contacting friends and family back home can help; though you should do all you can to avoid obsessing about back home. Try to keep personal items around and perhaps even keep a journal of your new experiences.

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF UNIVERSITY LIFE

My favourite strategy is also one of the easiest; simply remember that you came to university to ‘do stuff’. Luckily for you, ‘stuff’ means a lot of… well… stuff. From delving deep into your studies to getting involved in some astounding extra-curricular activities, to attend all the absolutely fantastic events down at the Student Union, there is so much available that you came here to achieve.

FINALLY…

The prime solution I can find is to be brave. Jump out of that restrictive comfort zone and have some responsible fun with new friends, taking full advantage of some brilliant new experiences. Don’t abandon thoughts of home completely; have a visit and call occasionally, but just remember you came here to get a good degree and develop as a person.

If you’d be interested in sharing your Fresher experiences, email SU_comms@winchester.ac.uk and ask for Harry Sampson.