Written by Grace Whittaker
Missing home and navigating newly found independence at university is an intimidating experience. No matter who you are, at least one if not all aspects of this adjustment are going to push you outside your comfort zone. In the hopes that it will make your adjustment as smooth as possible, here are my best tips for acclimatising to life at university.
Get Involved
My first big tip is to get involved from day dot. I moved onto Wagga Wagga campus in 2024, and involving myself in O-week activities was how I made most of my early friends. Putting in the effort to get to know your fellow students makes settling in much less daunting. However, don’t feel pressure to find your people straight away. While I found great friends in the early days, many of my closest friends were made later on. These guys turn into a family that makes you miss home a little less.
Join Clubs
Getting involved doesn’t end after O-week. Whilst I joined several social clubs in first year, I hesitated in joining a sporting club. All I can say is I wish I joined sooner. While I know team sports are not for everyone, joining the university’s netball club was by far the best decision I have made. Suddenly I knew so many friendly faces and had the best excuse to get out during the week. It was rewarding for both my body and mind and did an incredible job of easing homesickness.
Enjoy the Little Things
One of my biggest struggles while adjusting to university was getting out of my room. While solo time to recharge is essential, it shouldn’t take over your life. One of my favorite ways to recharge is to get some vitamin D on a walk. Getting out and about can be a solo adventure or daily ritual. For me, I try to go on a forty-minute walk almost every day. You can even try planning study sessions or coffee dates with others who are in the same boat. They may appreciate it as much as you will!
Don’t forget to do what makes your heart shine. Keeping up with my hobbies was a great way to shake off stress and distract myself from missing home. I’m a keen writer and am currently going through my plant mum phase, so try sticking to the things you love, or dip your toes into something new.
Be Kind to Yourself
The most valuable piece of advice I can give you comes down to how you talk to yourself. I believe the fear of falling behind is a university epidemic, one that I have experienced myself. Some people will make friends faster, some will pull studying all nighters and others will go out every weekend when you’d rather be in bed. It doesn’t matter if you’re the social butterfly or the homebody, the academic weapon or the p’s- get-degrees type of person. Self-comparison is truly the thief of joy, and you will feel a lot less homesick when you focus on your own achievements, rather than that of others. Give it time.
As a Bachelor of Arts student, majoring in Human Services and minoring in English, I could talk about the significance of mental health for hours. The CSU Counseling Team and Student Welling Support Line are your go-to support systems, designed to help you when you need it. Remember, there is no such thing as a silly reason to ask for help. Reach out here:
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