When you start university or return back to your studies, it’s natural to feel homesick or even a bit lonely at times. Here are some tips on what you can do to avoid feelings of loneliness, how you can get connected with the Hope community, and where to find help if things start to get difficult.

Let yourself be homesick for a bit

Being away from family and friends can be hard and missing home is something that affects lots of students at one time or another. Feeling homesick isn’t a sign of weakness and there are things you can do that will help. When you’re feeling homesick, try giving yourself a little time to see if the feeling passes, as doing so can help build up your personal resilience in such situations. You could pick up the phone and ask your new uni mates if they fancy a coffee and a catch up.

Keep yourself busy

Sometimes if might feel easier to stay in your room as it’s a “safe space”, yet spending a lot of time inside could make your feelings of loneliness and isolation more intense. Try to organise things that will fill up your free time, or study in the library rather than in your room. It may also be a good opportunity to join one of the many clubs and societies offered through the Hope Students’ Union. Hope Social run different student events throughout the month and you can keep up to date with upcoming activities by following them on Instagram: @hopesocialliverpool.

Keep in touch with friends and family

Staying in contact with loved ones can help close the gap and make you feel more involved with things back home. Use it as a chance to share any positive experiences that you’ve had in the first few weeks of term. Be mindful not to contact them too much though as it can sometimes make your feelings of homesickness worse! After all, this is a great opportunity to make new friends and build new relationships.

Explore your new surroundings

Being in a new city can often increase feelings of homesickness and isolation, so try to set aside some time to explore the city with friends so you will feel more at home. To see what attractions are coming up in the city, check out Visit Liverpool.

Ask for help and support

The transition into university life can be tough to get your head around sometimes, so there’s no shame in asking for help if you need it. Not speaking up if you are struggling with things is likely to only make things worse, so it’s important to reach out for some support when you feel that may help.

Here are some of the University areas where you can seek support if you need it.

Student Development & Well-Being (SDW)

The SDW team can provide help with everything from counselling and mental health or learning support, or support if you have a disability or learning difference. The team also provide a daily drop-in service that students can access. Further information can be found here, and you can also follow @HopeSDW on Instagram.

Call: 0151 291 3427

Email: sdw@hope.ac.uk

Residential Life Team

If you live in halls, your Senior Resident Tutor is there to support you. They can offer advice to help you settle in and will help you to get the most out of life in halls. You can find their contact details in the foyer of your halls. You can also keep up tp date with any Residential Life events by following @LHU_residential_life on Instagram.

International Student Support

The International Hub team is dedicated to ensuring UK and International students can fulfill their dreams of overseas study, as well as offer personal support.

Call: 0151 291 3295

Email: internationalhub@hope.ac.uk

Chaplaincy

If you would like to talk to someone, the Chaplains are always available and have a quiet space in the Chaplaincy where you can chat in private. They also host the famous £1 Lunch, every Monday during term time.

Call: 0151 291 3545

Email: chaplaincy@hope.ac.uk