We asked our Instagram followers whether they had found themselves feeling homesick or lonely over the past few months; unfortunately a large number of you said you had felt this way.
When asked what you missed the most answers ranged from the expected i.e. parents, friends, significant others, pets, travelling etc. Some of you missed more specific home comforts such as visiting theatres in Budapest, Scottish water and Melomakarona (Greek Christmas honey cookies).
Understandably we can’t bring all of your pets to campus as much as we may like to, but we do have some suggestions that may help make lockdown a little easier to bear.
For those of you missing the gym
Bristol is home to many hills, not just the steep and tiring Park Street, but actual hills complete with greenery, dog walkers and views over the city. So for those of you who are urban explorers, why not take in some fresh air and go on a walk or a run up Brandon Hill or Troopers Hill or walk up to the BT Tower on Purdown.
Don’t fancy braving the elements? Check out Active Online – free online instructor-led classes, delivered live via the University of Bristol Active app. The classes are free for students to attend, are equipment-free and suitable for all abilities. No advanced booking is required, simply open the app at the start-time of your chosen session.
For those of you missing loved ones and friends
Technology hasn’t advanced enough for us be able to hug through a screen, however just seeing the faces of those you love can be enough to boost your mood. FaceTime, WhatsApp video, Facebook video, Google hangouts and Zoom are all free to use and are a great way to keep in touch.
Students are also encouraged to take advantage of buddy systems being offered – the Wellbeing Network has an online form for those who are looking to find a buddy.
For those of you missing travelling
Books can be a great form of escapism, they give you a chance to imagine and explore new places like Westeros, Middle Earth and Narnia; learn more about your surroundings in books like Weird Bristol or The Women Who Built Bristol 1184-2018; or read to simply pass the time away. Why not visit the University Library webpages and see what is on offer.
For those of you who miss more conventional travel and can’t wait to get back on a plane, there are virtual walking tours available on Google Maps of beautiful cities like Havana, Cuba and Split, Croatia. You can also explore the Great Barrier Reef with friend of the University, Sir David Attenborough; dive with dolphins and Manta Rays with BBC Earth; or unleash your inner archaeologist / Egyptologist by exploring the Tomb of Queen Meresankh III with the help of the Egyptian Tourist Board.
For more virtual tour suggestions, the following links have a range locations that are worth looking at, saving you the cost of plane tickets and potential mosquito bites!
- 14 Virtual Travel Tours You Need To Experience – Elle.com
- Armchair Travel Experiences That Let You Explore the World From Your Living Room – Thrillist.com
- Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch – Travelandleisure.com
For those of you who would like some coping / distraction techniques
Many people in our community kindly shared their tips for how they are managing the feelings of homesickness and / or loneliness during this time. Here are a few of our favourites:
- Cooking favourite foods / food from home
- Practising Transcendental Meditation
- Talking with family
- Listening to music
- Watching movies with flatmates
- Initiating calls online
- Netflix watch parties
- Keeping as busy as possible
- Playing chess online
- Online workouts with friends
For additional resources and wellbeing support
Support available across the University:
- Student Wellbeing and Student Counselling websites
- The SU Wellbeing Network – brings together peer support groups from around the University of Bristol community
- Wellbeing Advisors in your department
There is also support outside the University: