Home-sickness

[Smiley]

I'm starting uni in a few weeks, about 8 hours away from home. I'm 21and live with my large family of 8 at the moment. We are all very close, and although I am not young anymore, I find it hard to be away from my family. It's like I need to be near to them to cope. I feel stupid when anyone mentions uni to me, because I feel choked up, and I'm worried that this is going to affect me and leave me feeling depressed. Does anyone know anything i can do to feel more independent, and concentrate on enjoying myself, rather than feeling like there is something missing?

[vittoria]

It sounds to me like it is a rite of passage to you; the only thing that springs to mind (although I am sure there are many) is that your uni should have counselling services for this kind of problem as I am sure you are not the only one.

[Hippy]

I was frightened of being alone when I went to Uni, but I soon made loads of new friends. I think that you make strong and close friends at this time because everyone in fresher's year needs to replace that "family closeness". Friendships made during this time survive decades and continents.

As Vittoria says, I think this is something you go through as part of becoming a rounded adult. A lot of University education is about this. You spend three years testing limits (how much can you drink, how long can you stay awake/asleep how fast/slowly can you learn, how long will it take to fill a sweetie jar with your own toenail clippings? and so much more) and somehow reach Graduation with a sobriety, an air of accomplishment, and a self confidence that will knock the world flat.

[brawburd]

22 years ago my parents dropped me off at my first uni accommodation. I still remember the feelings of standing there at the window willing them to come back. I have never felt so lonely or wanted to go home so much! Then, time goes on and what Hippy says is spot-on (and very well put Hippy)! Good luck, prepare for the crappy days, enjoy the rest!

[Hellion]

The feeling of homesickness does wear off eventually as you make new friends and experience new things. I remember watching the local news as it was the same as at home and Fred Dineage and 'Trevor the Weather' felt like old friends. Rest assured you will definitely not be the only one who feels as you do. And remember it must be daunting if you're a baby bird about to jump out of the nest the first time, not sure if you can fly, but flap your wings hard enough and you'll find you can, your just doing what nature intended all along - grow up flee the nest - and then visit home at weekends with your dirty laundry for some lovely mollycoddling!Good Luck trust us 'old un's' the only reason we can pass on this advice is we experienced what your about to and found it wasn't so bad.

[Miss Zippy]

Ditto what has been said but just to add try not to go home too often in the early weeks/months; this can often make the homesickness worse. Plus, you'll miss out on those crucial early weekends going out with your fellow freshers and forging new friendships. At the end of the day, what's the worst that can happen? You end up hating it and decide to go home that's all. You're young enough to start again at a uni closer to home and at least you can feel proud that you gave it your best. Good luck.