University (and Welcome Week in particular) can be some ofthe best times of your life,  however adjusting to this new way of life can be difficult and doesn’t come without its challenges. For many students, leaving behind familiar routines, family,friends, and comforts can be challenging. The good news? You’re not alone in feeling this way, and there are plenty of ways to make the transition easier:
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Bring a Little Bit of Home With You

One of the simplest ways to make your new room feel more comfortable is to personalise it. Bring photos of family and friends, favourite blankets, posters, or even small items that remind you of home. It might sound insignificant, but surrounding yourself with familiar things can make your accommodation feel less like a temporary room and more like your own space.

Stay Connected

University doesn't mean cutting ties with everyone back home. Schedule regular phone calls with your family, send updates to friends, and stay in touch through group chats. Having people you can talk to when you're having a difficult day can make a huge difference. Just remember that everyone is adjusting to a new chapter in life, so don't worry if conversations become less frequent than they were before.

Avoid the "Going Home Every Weekend" Trap

This may sound counterintuitive, but one of the biggest mistakes some freshers make is heading home every weekend. While it can be tempting to return to your comfort zone whenever you're feeling homesick, doing so can make it harder to settle into university life. The weekends are often when friendships are formed, societies run events, and spontaneous plans happen. By staying in Exeter, you're giving yourself more opportunities to build connections and create a new routine. Going home occasionally is absolutely fine but try not to rely on it as your only solution to feeling homesick.

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Get Involved in Student Life

One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to stay busy. Joining a society, sports club, volunteering group, or student project can help you meet people with similar interests and give you something to look forward to each week. Many students find that their closest university friendships come from activities outside their course. Even if you're nervous, attending a few taster sessions during Freshers' Week is a great place to start.

Give Yourself Time
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Many students arrive expecting university to feel like home immediately. In reality, settling in takes time. You may have amazing days followed by moments where you miss home unexpectedly. That's perfectly normal. Building a new support network, learning a new environment, and adapting to independent living doesn't happen overnight.
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Remember Why You Came

When homesickness hits, it can be helpful to remind yourself why you chose university in the first place. Whether it's pursuing a degree you're passionate about, meeting new people, or gaining independence, these experiences are all part of your journey. The first few weeks can be the hardest, but most students find that as they establish routines, friendships, and familiar places around campus, homesickness becomes much more manageable.
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Most importantly, don't feel embarrassed if you're struggling. Homesickness isn't a sign that you've made the wrong decision—it' simply a sign that you've left behind people and places that matter to you. With time, Exeter will start to feel like home too.

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