The Emotional Side of Leaving Home
With all there is to look forward to at university—joining societies, making new friends, partying, and finding yourself—it can feel like you’ve been promised a dream. Despite this, it’s likely you’ll find yourself feeling at least a little nervous in the time before you arrive. With such a big new chapter sitting only weeks away, it’s normal to feel the anxiety and doubt that comes with change.
But here’s the thing—growth usually starts with discomfort. That weird, uneasy feeling? That’s just the first step toward something great. Pushing through the nerves, putting yourself out there, and embracing independence are all part of the process.
In the meantime, there are ways to make the transition easier. Stay connected with home—FaceTime your family, message your friends, keep a little bit of your old life with you. Create a solid routine to help things feel normal. And most importantly, cut yourself some slack! Settling in isn’t instant, but when it happens, you’ll be so glad you stuck it out.
Practical Tips for the Move
Packing for University
A huge step in the process of moving—packing. A mix of excitement, stress, and wondering if you really need to bring that random decorative cushion you’ve never used. (Spoiler: probably not.)
To make life easier, stick to the essentials:
- Kitchen: Pots, pans, cutlery, plates, bowls, tea towels.
- Bedroom: Bedsheet (a mattress topper can also be life-changing), duvet, pillows, clothes, hangers, some cosy decor. (Don’t forget to check your bed size!)
- Bathroom: Towels, toiletries.
- Self-Care: Hairbrush, hairdryer, toothbrush, toothpaste, shower stuff, skincare, medication.
- Miscellaneous (aka the stuff everyone forgets): Scissors, tape, Blu-Tack, bin bags, cleaning supplies.
On the flip side, try not to overpack. Storage space can disappear fast, and too much clutter will only stress you out. Be ruthless—channel your inner Marie Kondo. Will that item actually spark joy, or will it just collect dust?
Being away from home for the first time, this is likely your first opportunity to fully own your space—so have fun with it! Having a space that reflects your identity not only helps with settling in but also helps new friends get to know you. Your room is going to be home for a while, so fill it with things that bring you comfort—photos, posters, and fairy lights being a few.
[You may find the University’s ‘What to Pack’ blog and prohibited items lists helpful]
Settling In at University
Finding Your Social Balance
Freshers’ Week—seven days of absolute chaos, right? Not necessarily! While some will be Venue regulars, others may find the whole thing overwhelming. The good news? You get to decide how it goes. Whether you’re all about clubbing or prefer arts & crafts, there’s something for everyone.
[Check out our amazing ResLife team to see what’s in store]
Pushing yourself is great, but don’t force yourself to be someone you’re not. By doing what you actually enjoy, you’ll naturally find people who share your interests—and those are the friendships that last.
Exploring Your New Surroundings
Another tip. Get out and explore! Familiarise yourself with your new city, note down cool places to visit, and take plenty of photos—you’ll love looking back on these moments later.
The first day can feel like a weird social experiment, but remember, everyone’s just as nervous as you are. Be the one to say hi, knock on doors, and suggest a group hangout. If you hide in your room, you’ll only make things harder for yourself (and Netflix will still be there later). Shared kitchens are a great way to bond—just maybe avoid being that person who steals everyone’s milk on day one.
Staying Connected with Home
Home is where the heart is—and where free laundry service used to be. It’s completely normal to miss it! Some people dive headfirst into uni life, while others can feel un-anchored like they’ve left a piece of themselves behind.
Finding a Balance
The trick? Balance. Stay in touch, but don’t let homesickness stop you from embracing your new environment. Set a routine for video calls, and don’t be afraid to reach out.
If homesickness hits hard, remember that university support services exist for a reason. You’re not the only one feeling this way, and there’s no shame in seeking help if you need it. It also helps to plan trips home during breaks—having a visit to look forward to can make all the difference.
Independence and Responsibility
One of the biggest changes at uni? Realising that you are now responsible for everything. This means managing your own time, cooking, cleaning, budgeting—basically, being a real, functioning adult.
Staying Organised
To avoid feeling like a free-falling mess, get yourself a planner (the ‘Notion’ app can be an extremely helpful alternative!) to keep track of deadlines, events, and daily tasks. Staying organised will save you so much stress.
Learning the Basics
When it comes to cooking, start simple—learn a few easy meals, because surviving on super noodles will get old fast. Also, having a set laundry day is vital—don’t wait until you’ve run out of underwear to figure out how a washing machine works.
Making Decisions for Yourself
The biggest shift, though, is decision-making. Uni gives you total freedom over how you spend your time and who you surround yourself with. It’s empowering, but also a bit daunting. Make choices that feel right for you, document your growth (journals can be great!), and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Embracing the New Adventure
At the end of the day, while university may seem as though it comes with a template, it really all comes down to what you make it. It’s your chance to try new things, meet new people, and grow into the next version of yourself. Join a club or society, pick up a new hobby, join a ResLife event, say yes to spontaneous plans—some of the best memories come from the unexpected.
That being said, missing home doesn’t mean you’ve made the wrong choice. Adjusting takes time, but as you build friendships and create routines, things will start to feel familiar.
So, take a deep breath, embrace the nerves, and dive into the adventure ahead. You’ve got this!
– Kirsty