Those New Year/January blues can hit us all hard, but it can feel particularly strange for students who are returning to uni after the Christmas break.
You’ve spent a couple of weeks eating home-cooked meals, been fussed over by your nan, got used to having your pants ironed again and the dog has finally forgiven you for deserting them – and now you have to go back!
Some students can’t wait to get back to uni as being back at home can feel a bit stifling after a few months of independence, but for lots of students heading back to uni after such a lovely family time can make you feel wobbly.
You’re probably feeling a mix of emotions; excitement about seeing your friends again, worry about how you’re going to fit all your stuff in the back of the car, the realisation that you’re back to doing your washing, and that sinking feeling of knowing you only have two days to finish (and possibly even start…) three essays, all while your mum’s having a little cry.
But the good news is, these feelings won’t last long, and chances are, most of your uni friends will be feeling the same too.
So we’ve put together our 5 top tips to make going back to uni a little bit easier.
1. Home Comforts
After a few weeks back in the family home, with all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, your student accommodation can feel a bit cold and empty, so taking some things from home might help (from your bedroom; we’re not condoning taking the massive widescreen family telly or your mum’s new air fryer). You could take some cushions from your bed at home, or some pictures. Maybe some photos and, of course, don’t leave Big Ted behind.
2. Make Plans
It can help to have things to look forward to; January and February can often feel a bit miserable after the huge build-up to Christmas, so you could plan a big meal where everyone brings a dish they’ve prepared, or you could plan a games night, or all go to a gig together.
If you don’t feel like you’ve made friends at uni with many people yet, you could join a new society or join a gym or exercise class.
3. Spruce Up Your Study Space
If your room’s feeling a little bit tired and sad after the full-on glitz of Christmas at home, you could try giving it a makeover to make it somewhere you want to work in.
Have a look on Instagram or Pinterest for some ideas to brighten up your room/study area on a budget. Remember, there is nothing that new stationery can’t help, and everything looks better with some fairy lights draped over it.
4. Get Stuck Into Uni Work
Not the most popular tip, but those essays aren’t going to write themselves and nothing focuses the mind and distracts you from feeling homesick like a looming deadline.
Getting stuck into an essay, or making a dent in your reading list is a great way of keeping yourself occupied, and think how smug you’ll feel after. And if you struggle with procrastination (chances are you’re reading this to avoid doing some work) then read our advice on how to beat it and learn how it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re lazy.
5. Remember Why You’re There
You chose to go to uni for a reason; apart from getting a degree that will take you a step closer to getting a job that you enjoy doing, you’re meeting new people, learning valuable life skills, exploring a new town or city, and becoming more independent.
Think of how much you and your course/housemates will have to catch up on and the nights out you’ll have, and before you know it, you’ll be well into the new term and it will be like you never went away.
Often, going back to uni after a break is a mix of emotions, a bit like going back to primary school after the Christmas holidays when you were little; a bit sad about leaving your mum, but also buzzing to catch up with your mates and compare Christmas presents, then before you know it everyone’s talking about Easter.
The main thing to remember is that whatever you’re feeling is normal, so you need to give yourself a break; chances are you’re surrounded by lots of people who will be feeling the same. We’ve got some tips on how to look after yourself in our student hacks blog.
If you haven’t already done so, it’s worth taking a look at student insurance. The last thing you want to do at the start of a new term is pay for things you don’t need, so you can choose the optional benefits that suit the kind of student you are. Take a look at our jargon-free website and click the quote button, it’s as easy as that.
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