Tips and Tricks for adjusting back into home life.
Hi everyone! My name is Katrina and I work in Student Support Services at NTU. I’m originally form America and when I lived in America, I went to uni about 8 hours drive away from my mum and dad. Even still today, I’ve had many experiences of going back home and having to re-adjust to living under the same roof as two parents, three siblings, and two dogs. While being at home can be a blessing, it can also be stressful for many of us. I’ve put together a guide of tips and tricks I learned from having to re-adjust to home life many times. I hope this can be useful for you. Remember, even when times get tough, it truly is a blessing to have a home to go back to. Sending love during this tough time!
1.Make time for yourself– You might be in a busy household but it’s important you have alone time to re-generate and ground yourself. Do you have a space within your home or garden where you can be alone and catch up on a book? Even if you don’t, stick the headphones in and zone out from your household.
2. Postpone family arguments– While you may think now is a great time to bring up your Great Uncle’s remarks or that half your family voted for Brexit, It’s probably wise to postpone it. There is a lot going on in the world and so much is uncertain that adding family drama on top might overwhelm everyone.
3. Remind yourself of the things you love when you’re home and prioritise them!— Was it your childhood dog who you now get to see daily, a boardgame night with the fam that you used to enjoy, or do mum or dad have a favourite recipe that you haven’t had in ages? Now is the time to do all the things you used to love and enjoy them. No one makes a New York style cheesecake like my mum.
4. Stay connected with your uni friends digitally— Just because you’re home doesn’t mean you need to forfeit uni life. Plan a weekly quiz night via zoom with your uni friends! Houseparty app also has games that are embedded into the app for free!
5. Express your needs– if you do find you’re struggling, get it out if you can. You might find some of your family members are struggling too. If everyone can express their needs, hopefully you can come to a compromise and find a way to work during this uncertain time.
Remember, even while you’re home, Student Support Services is here to support you remotely and we can offer a unbiased listening ear when you just need to talk to someone outside you’re home!
Don’t forget that Student Support Services are still here to support you and we are regularly posting through Twitter, Facebook and Instagram as well as over on the Virtual Global Lounge Team and the new Stamp out Stress Team
For help and advice whilst studying at NTU, take a look at the following for sources of support.
Support from NTU
Silvercloud: SilverCloud is our online system designed to help with a range of mental health issues.
Depression advice
Counselling
Wellness in Mind: Advice and support for anyone in Nottingham experiencing issues with their mental wellbeing
Struggling at Uni? Go to Student Minds
10 Keys to happiness
Healthy NTU 