Thriving Away From Home

Written by: AYSHA HAFEEL, Class of 2026

This blog is about exploring how the medical students residing in hostels navigate the

bittersweet symphony of homesickness, striving to find harmony between the call of

familiarity and independence.

INTRODUCTION

Each and everyone in this modern world likes to dream of the highest profession for themselves and be in the highest position. That is indeed a good thought and a good sign of evolution. Everyone has the right to dream, and all should be able to accomplish their dreams as their will and be good, versatile, humble humans to the world.

Among the people who are in thirst for victory, there is a group of people who choose to serve the world with kindness, hope, happiness, and many more emotions. The medical field is one of those pathways where you can help the society in many ways. Even though it sounds simple, there is a lot to go through to become a successful doctor.

In regard to fulfilling the dream of becoming a doctor, most students have to leave their hometown and have to travel far away from their comfortable zones, including their parents, siblings, home environment, neighbors, relatives, friends, pets, climate, food practices, and many more things, and come to a place where they don't know anyone to continue their studies.

 As the medical degree seems to be a long learning process, it keeps a child away from all the things they love for more than 5 years. As a medical student, I know exactly how hard it is to be away from home for so long.

Nowadays, families seem to be very small, so parents and children seem to be more attached, and they find it difficult to live without each other. Especially when a child is with their parents, the child does not feel any threat because they surely know that their parents are always behind them as their guiding light (attachment theory). In fact, this child does not learn how to be independent, how to live a life without their parents. Homesickness is not only limited to higher education but also for boarding schools, sleep-away camps, military deployment, migrant workers, and immigration, etc.

IMPACT ON MEDICAL STUDENTS

This situation in medical schools can be mainly identified among 1st-year students. Previous research on first[1]year residential students' adjustment at a university in the United States found that 31% of the 198 participants reported experiencing homesickness (Fisher & Hood, 1987). However, a more recent comparable study on first-year college students found that 94% experienced some level of homesickness during their first semester away from home (English, Wei, Davis, & Gross, 2016).

 As they are very new to the environment, they feel insecure and scared. Most of them show very low performance in their educational process. They are reluctant to attend classes, have no mood to study, their class scores seem to be very low, and they do not like to face exams, etc.

If the feelings of homesickness persist for an extended period, it may have a significant impact on the student's emotional well-being. These students may experience prolonged sadness, crying episodes, isolate themselves from activities and events on campus, avoid social interactions, which will affect the student's attention, focus, and concentration in classes.

The physical impact on a child is also high. They may complain of headaches, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, stomach aches, fatigue, lethargy.

 Living a hostel life opens up another interesting chapter where you find both the positive and negative aspects together. This depends on who and how you live with the society. Almost all the students miss their home, all will be on the same page, but it's really nice if there is someone to help with the more affected one.

HISTORY IS OUR MISTRESS

To overcome this situation, open conversations would be a great helping hand for the students and all who are away from home so that they can be pacified by making them realize that this is a common situation that everyone feels, and that they are not alone. It's better to make friends and be friendly to them and do work together.

The students can try making their living area very familiar as their home. They can change the setup inside the room and can have pets so their minds would be relaxed and pleased. Some can engage in their hobbies like music, gardening, dancing, singing, etc. Calling your parents, siblings, friends, relations, and loved ones would also be an effective impact on this situation so that you won't feel you are far away from them. Studies have found that currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a triggering factor in increasing loneliness and social isolation, especially among older people, as they have to spend much time away from home in the hospital for treatments. Video calls have been a helping hand in this regard to widen the social circle by increasing the frequency of contact with existing resources.

 If homesickness persists for a long time and becomes worse, a senior healthcare professional should help with the mental health of the student. Also, the children can make themselves busy with academic work so that they will be able to divert themselves from homesickness.

Homesickness does not last for a long time. This condition is gradually reducing once they are getting used to the new environment, the working process, and the people around them.

A Lot of studies show that these situations are shown less by senior students than in the 1st years. Over time, individuals form friendships and support networks within their new community, providing a sense of belonging and emotional support.

Creating a daily routine can provide structure and stability, which can help alleviate homesickness. Set regular study times, engage in activities you enjoy, and prioritize self-care. Having a routine can give you a sense of control and familiarity in your new environment. Join clubs, sports teams, or volunteer groups to meet new people and establish a sense of community. Participating in campus events and activities can help you feel connected and integrated into your new environment.

 Take time to explore your new city or campus. Visit local attractions, parks, restaurants, or cultural events. Getting to know your surroundings can make you feel more connected to your new home and reduce feelings of isolation. Seek out fellow students who may be experiencing similar feelings of homesickness. Form study groups or socialize with classmates to establish new friendships and support systems.

 Building connections with others who understand what you're going through can provide a sense of belonging. Exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep. Engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress, such as practicing mindfulness and journaling.

RESEARCH AND INITIATIVES ON HOMESICKNESS.

Homesickness has been assessed by asking participants to complete a questionnaire summarizing their homesickness during the past weeks. Questionnaire scores represent past homesickness, which reflects one's proneness to homesickness or overall disposition to homesickness more than one's momentary homesickness.

Homesickness can fluctuate within smaller time periods and is influenced by interpersonal factors. Studies have shown that homesickness can vary throughout the day, depending on the situation and interactions with others. As attachment figures play a central role in homesickness, it is considered an interpersonal phenomenon.

 Homesickness tends to be experienced when individuals are physically separated from their attachment figures but remain in contact with them through means such as phone conversations. Therefore, levels of homesickness can vary within individuals depending on their interactions with different people.

In general students use SNSs primarily for socialization, entertainment, and academic tasks, spending an average of 3.38 hours per day. Self-comparison on SNS profiles is common, with Snapchat usage positively linked to self-esteem and TikTok usage negatively associated with weight status. Exercise is prevalent among students for weight management.

Overall, students have a high level of body esteem, but nearly half experience moderate to high levels of loneliness. Age and gender differences play a role, with younger students exhibiting more loneliness and depressive feelings and spending more time on SNSs, while men have higher self-esteem and perceive better mental health compared to women. As adults, we should know how to cope with social media in a vise manner so.

CONCLUSION

Thriving away from home is a transformative journey that allows individuals to grow, adapt, and discover their true potential. While it is natural to experience homesickness and face challenges when living in a new environment, it is important to remember that with time, resilience, and a proactive mindset, one can not only overcome homesickness but also create a fulfilling and thriving life away from home. By embracing new experiences, building a support network, taking care of physical and mental well-being, and actively engaging with the opportunities around them, individuals can truly make their new environment feel like home and unlock their full potential. With determination, openness, and a willingness to embrace change, thriving away from home becomes an exciting and empowering chapter in one's life journey.