ussu homesick leaflet
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SO YOU’RE FEELING HOMESICK & THEREFORE PRETTY MISERABLE...READ ON TO FIND OUT WHAT THE STUDENTS’ UNION HAVE TO SAY ABOUT IT.
Am I th
e only one feeling like this?
S hould I leave?
How long will I feel like this?
THERE ARE MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED! IT WOULD BE A SHAME NOT TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM.
UNIVERSITY CONTACTSEach Faculty employs a specific member of staff who are there to listen and support you as well as signpost you to the most appropriate form of support.
Applied Sciences Bev Muldowney & Lynsey Thomas t: 0191 515 2803 / 0191 515 2792 e: [email protected]
Arts, Design & MediaAbi Fullertont: 0191 515 3105 e: [email protected]
Business & LawReceptiont: 0191 515 2311
Education & SocietyMargaret Woodey & Vicky Holdingt: 0191 515 2443 / 0191 515 3086e: [email protected]
The following services are based in Student Support, 1st Floor, Edinburgh Building, City Campus
ChaplaincyOffers friendship, support, pastoral care and advice on religious matters regardless of any particular religious affiliation or nonet: 0191 515 3842e: [email protected]
CounsellingFree confidential counselling. An emotionally supportive environment to discuss personal issues.t: 0191 515 2940e: [email protected]
Health & WellbeingRegistered nurses offer ongoing support and confidential advice on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues.t: 0191 5152938e: [email protected]
STUDENTS’ UNION CONTACTSJan Spalek and Tracy SimmonsStudent Contact Officerst: 0191 515 3582e: [email protected]
USEFUL CONTACTS
WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE? Homesickness can make you feel depressed or anxious. You might not sleep, eat or feel well. It is different from being depressed since, whilst university may seem awful, when you think of home everything is OK again.
Remember, if you would like to talk over your feelings in greater depth you can always make an appointment to
see a University Counsellor.
I didn
’t thin
k I wou
ld g
et homesick…
SO WHAT CANI DO THAT WILL HELP?
How long will I feel like this?
Should I leave University?Homesickness is not a pleasant feeling and going home might seem the best solution but it will pass. You have invested a great deal of time and energy
getting onto your course and it is worth giving yourself time to adjust. Many students who
have felt homesick at first have stayed and overcome their homesickness. They have
gone on to have an amazing and fullfilled University experience.
If you are thinking about leaving you need to talk this over with staff first to explore all the options that are open to you. For more information on the withdrawal procedure visit the ‘Live’ section on our website at www.sunderlandsu.co.uk or pick up a ‘Leaving Us Early’ leaflet from the Students’ Union or University buildings.
Starting University can be a very overwhelming experience. You have to cope with being away
from familiar people and places. You also have to adapt a new environment where you
probably don’t know where anything is or know anyone. It’s not surprising you
miss all your home comforts and security. Remember you’re
not alone.
It is usual to feel both excited and anxious about starting university. The transition to university life may take longer for some people and you may find yourself thinking of home most of the time. This is perfectly normal and will pass.You may also find yourself feeling homesick after weekends at home especially after christmas. Again, thiswill pass.
Am I the only one feeling like this?
TALK TO SOMEONETalk to friends and family – you never know, some of your friends might be feeling homesick too. If you don’t want to talk to friends then contact Jan and Tracy at the Students’ Union or speak to a tutor, chaplain or counsellor (see Useful Contacts section for how to get in touch).
KEEP IN TOUCHWith people at home and plan a time to go back but also give yourself enough time to get involved at university.
GET INVOLVED In University life as much as possible – the more things you get involved in the less homesick you will feel and the more friends you meet the more fun you will have. Try the following:
• Check out the Students‘ Union website at www.sunderlandsu.co.uk for information about events and activities.
• Join some University Clubs and Societies. Visit www.unisportsunderland.com for more details
• Go to the Globe Cafe - a great place to meet other students. Please note, the Globe Cafe welcomes all students, not just international students. Visit www.theglobecafe.org.uk for more information
• Check out notice boards and plasma screens in your faculty for more information on what’s on
• Apply for an SU Buddy. SU Buddies are current students who are fully trained to help you adjust to university life. They understand what it’s like to meet new friends, attend that first lecture and settle into a new environment. Visit the ‘Grow’ section on our website at www.sunderlandsu.co.uk
I didn’t think I would get homesick…..Definitely not! Research has shown that 35% of new students at University feel homesick. Talk to your friends, they might just be feeling the same way too.
• Join CONNECT which has been set up to provide opportunities to meet new people, make friends and have great fun. There are many events and activities within the CONNECT like bowling, cinema nights, trips, sport afternoons, museum visits etc. Students can even suggest activities they want to do in future. If you want more information, please visit the ‘Play’ section on our website at www.sunderlandsu.co.uk
• The Chaplaincy team organizes many interesting events throughout the year and offers friendship to all regardless of particular religious affiliation or none. For more information visit: www.sunderland.ac.uk/chaplaincy or e-mail: [email protected]
• Volunteering Volunteering is an excellent way of meeting new people and gaining new skills at the same time. Find out more from the Careers and Employability Service in the Gateway or visit: www.sunderland.ac.uk/ces
The Students’ Union also offers a range of volunteering opportunities. Visit the ‘Grow’ section on the Students’ Union website at www.sunderlandsu.co.uk
• Why not take a free language course at the University? This is a great way to meet new people whilst also learning a new skill. You can study a variety of foreign languages. Visit: www.sunderland.ac.uk and search for university language scheme.
So your other options are...
How long is a piece of string? There is no way of knowing when your homesickness will pass but it almost always does.
Some students feel better quite quickly whilst it takes others a little longer. It won’t happen overnight though so give yourself time to adjust. Remember that you may also have days when you feel less homesick and then surprisingly, you are missing home again. This really is to be
expected. Remember that old phrase....... “patience is a virtue”.