Moving Out of Home? Here’s How to Deal with Homesickness

Leaving home can be tough, but we’ve got some tips to help you get settled into your new digs.

This article is presented in partnership with Campus Perth and Campus Melbourne.

There’s nothing more exciting than making the decision to move out of home.

You get that independence you’ve always wanted, you can order takeout with no judgement, you can catch up with your friends and family whenever you want.

You get to… cook your own meals. Do your own laundry. Pay your own bills. Clean.

Oh.

It might start feeling a little lonely when living on your own – no matter how near or far you might be from family and friends. Whether you might like to admit it or not… you might start feeling a homesick.

Being homesick is totally normal feeling. It can be missing people, feeling lost in a new area, craving your favourite food… so we’re here to let you know how you can deal with it in healthy ways.

Accept feeling homesick – its ok!

Moving to and living in an unfamiliar place – whether it’s a new suburb, city, or even country – can throw you out of sorts.

Your new surroundings might start to bring up some self-doubt and make you think more about yourself. Relocation coach Allegra Stein says that these feelings might cause you to reflect and think, “I miss who I was in this place, because it was comfortable, and I miss my identity and security”.

Allow yourself to have a cry if it’s feeling tough. Reach out to friends and family, and stay connected.

Don’t be so hard on yourself – you’ve taken a big step in your life so its ok to feel this way.

Deck out your new home.

Once you settle into your new place, make sure you take the time to make it yours – this doesn’t mean splurging out on furniture!

Decorate with things of your own like photos, mementos – things that will make this new, weird place feel more like home.

Sometimes you can get lucky and your new stay might be furnished in some way.

However, rooms at student accommodation like Campus Perth and Campus Melbourne come designed and fully furnished - all you need to do is add your own pizzaz to the place!

Get social.

If you find yourself in a funk, it can be tempting to stay in bed and dig into bag of chips (we’ve all been there).

It’s easier said than done when it comes to meeting new people, but socialising and meet new people is a great way to combat those feelings of loneliness, as well getting out simply just getting out and about.

Whether it might be meeting people in your classes or joining a uni club, there’s a bunch of different ways you can socialise and meet new people. Explore the new area you’re living in too – you never know what you might find!

Don’t fancy dragging yourself away too far from your couch?

Campus Perth and Melbourne have their own fun social events for those living there, from board games nights and cooking classes to yoga, and pool parties and paper plane competitions – it all happens right from the comfort of their own hub!

Be proud of yourself.

You did it.

This is a big step in your life and recognising that you have spread your wings to experience something new and different is so important.

Allegra Stein also shared some words of wisdom that we’ll part you with.

“Remember, you are exactly where you wanted to be… [moving is] about owning where you are, choosing what you want the next day to look like and taking little steps to get there.”

If you’re looking amazing student accommodation with a fantastic location, incredible facilities and a buzzing social scene to keep homesickness at bay, check out rooms from Campus Perth and Campus Melbourne and save as a Student Edge member!

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Visit ReachOut to get support to help you with everything from everyday issues through to tough times.