Homesickness

Homesickness can effect people in many different ways and you may that you feel fine one minute, then very low the next. Everyone will experience homesickness differently as we all have a different idea of 'Home'. Have a look at the table below and see if any of the symptoms look familiar:

When is it likely to occur?

Homesickness can occur at different points of your student experience, not just in the first term. You may notice these feelings at particular times, such as these:

• When something is happening at home, and you feel excluded.
• When reality kicks in after ‘Freshers’.
• When you are feeling unwell.
• If everyone in your shared accommodation/group of friends goes home.
• When budgeting is difficult, and you have to deal with paying bills.
• When you return to University after the Christmas break.

The good news is that these feelings will gradually fade and become less painful over time. As hard as it may be to believe right now, soon you’ll find you are able to talk about home without feeling upset.

Support within the University

Faculty Student Information / Experience Team

You can contact the Student Information / Experience staff in your Faculty who can offer you practical advice, guidance, and signposting to appropriate services. They can also discuss the extenuating circumstances process with you should you need to use this. You can find a list of the contact details for Faculty Student Information / Experience staff here.

You can read more about the extenuating circumstances process here.

Listening Service

Faith@CampusLife's listening service offers a listening ear to whoever needs it – irrespective of religion, if any.  These chats can happen via phone or video calling, whichever you feel most comfortable using. If you would like to speak to a particular member of the team then please indicate who that is when you contact them. To access this service please contact Listeningservice.campuslife@swansea.ac.uk

Wellbeing

Swansea University’s Wellbeing Service provides mental health and autistic spectrum condition (ASC) guidance and support to students: this includes one-to-one support with mental health and autism practitioners, mentors and counsellors, academic adjustments and self-help resources and courses. You can view the range of support available here. You can also request support by completing the Wellbeing Support Request Form. The Wellbeing Service can be contacted by email at wellbeingdisability@swansea.ac.uk

Togetherall

Togetherall is a digital mental health service freely available at togetherall.com. Using your University email address, you can anonymously access support 24/7 with trained clinicians online at all times, as well as a range of helpful tools and resources. It is a safe place online to get things off your chest, have conversations, express yourself creatively and learn how to manage your mental health. You can access it here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/wellbeing/togetherall/

External Support

Family & Friends

Don't underestimate the benefit of talking to your family and friends about how you are feeling. Sometimes a problem shared is a problem halved. Be careful not to depend on talking to your family and friends from home all the time though - you need to give yourself the chance to meet new friends!

Samaritans

If you need information or you are worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone, the SAMARITANS provide confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day. Contact the Samaritans by email or at www.samaritans.org  or phone (from the UK) 08457 90 90 90 or 116 123 from a mobile.