SMU medical student Pumzile Molimi explores the challenges of living in a new environment far from home.

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Starting medical school is a significant milestone in your journey towards becoming a healthcare professional. It's a time filled with excitement, anticipation, and the promise of new experiences. However, along with the excitement, many students also face the challenge of adjusting to a new environment and coping with homesickness. Whether you're moving across the country or even to a new country altogether, these feelings are common and normal.

Homesickness is a natural emotional response to being away from familiar surroundings, family, and friends. It can manifest in various ways, from feeling a sense of loneliness and longing for home to experiencing anxiety and difficulty adjusting to a new routine. Recognizing these feelings is the first step towards managing them effectively.

Staying connected with your support system back home is one of the most effective ways to combat homesickness. Schedule regular phone calls, video chats, or even handwritten letters with family and friends. Hearing their voices and sharing updates about your life can provide comfort and reassurance during this transition.

Creating a new support network in your medical school environment is crucial for feeling connected and supported. Attend orientation events, join student organizations, and participate in social activities to meet fellow students who are also navigating this new chapter. Having peers who understand what you're going through can make a world of difference.

Personalizing your living space can help make your new environment feel more familiar and comforting. Decorate your dorm room or apartment with items that hold sentimental value or remind you of home. This could be photographs, artwork, or even familiar scents like candles or pillows from home. Taking these steps to create a "home away from home" can provide a sense of comfort and stability during this period of adjustment.

Pumzile Molimi, MBCHB V, SMU, South Africa.