Campus Life, Health & Wellness

Coping with homesickness

Henry shares three ways he finds comfort while studying in a new place.

October 21, 2026 By Henry

YouAlberta is written by students for students.

Henry (he/him) is a second-year juris doctor candidate in the Faculty of Law. He graduated with an MA in political science at York University. As a sports fan originally from the Greater Toronto Area, he loves the Toronto Blue Jays; however, his favourite sport is football(soccer), and he’s a passionate lifelong supporter of FC Barcelona. Having lived in Edmonton for just over a year, he’s still torn between the Maple Leafs and the Oilers. He loves to engage with the community through volunteering. Currently, he is serving on the Recreation Advisory Council. Previously, he volunteered at the Student Legal Services of Edmonton. He’s excited to learn more about the U of A and Edmonton. You can find Henry going on a stroll around campus looking for a caffeinated beverage. At present, his beverage of choice is yerba mate!

For some, the recent Thanksgiving long weekend was an opportunity to reconnect with friends and family after a busy start to the fall semester, which, as I know personally, can leave little time for reflection.

For others, like myself, this Thanksgiving was spent far away from family and home.

With that in mind, I wanted to reflect on some of the ways I've learned to navigate homesickness in my own life. Whether you're an out-of-province student like myself, an international student or someone who simply misses home, I hope you find these tips helpful.

These are things I wish I had known last year when experiencing homesickness for the first time, particularly during the holidays.

Get comfortable for a night in

Sometimes, I find it helpful to return to the basics without overcomplicating anything. Order the takeout you've been thinking of. Take a long shower. Put on your most comfortable clothes, rewatch an episode of your favourite TV show or movie and enjoy the evening.

You may feel guilty for being unproductive, but it's important to put things into perspective and remind ourselves that when everything around you feels unfamiliar, familiarity can be a form of self-care.

Enjoy the great outdoors

Graduation residence building and pathway — Starting my walks at the Graduate Residence.

Some of the best walks I've ever taken have been the ones with no particular destination. I'm well aware that snow is arriving soon here in Edmonton, so checking the weather before heading outdoors is always a good idea.

Not every day will be ideal conditions for a good outdoor stroll, but when you find a good day, my personal approach is to put on a pair of headphones, find an interesting audiobook or playlist that fits the mood and head out. Bring a snack or a coffee along with you (if caffeine is your thing), or stop by a cafe during your walk!

These outings are a good opportunity to explore a new trail or go to a restaurant you've never been to. Sometimes, getting to know your surroundings a little better can make an unfamiliar place feel just a bit more like your own.

Build a sense of belonging (a work in progress)

I heard countless times about the importance of creating a "home away from home" when I first moved here, but as someone who's experienced it, I know it's much easier said than done. I'm not here to suggest that this is easy, or even possible. Personally, I still consider it a work in progress.

Sticker journal with personalized stickers and reflections — My favourite sticker journaling page.

What's helped me is starting a tradition that belongs exclusively to this chapter of my life. For me, that tradition is sticker journaling — something I'd never tried before moving here for school.

I collect stickers that represent concepts, ideas and places symbolic of my journey, and I write out what each sticker meant to me. Over time, this has become a tangible reminder of the experiences and memories I'm creating. While it doesn't replace the home I miss, it helps me develop a separate sense of comfort in the place I live now.

Finding belonging

Ultimately, I don't think overcoming homesickness necessarily means reaching a point where you no longer miss home. Sometimes, it simply means finding little ways to make the distance more manageable.

Whether that's spending a quiet evening doing something familiar, exploring a new part of the city or creating a new tradition for yourself, these small moments can help make an unfamiliar place feel a little more welcoming.

I still missed being home this Thanksgiving, and I imagine many other students feel the same way. But I've come to appreciate that missing one place doesn't mean you can't slowly begin to find belonging in another.