SIDMA SABAH

Thursday, 13 August 2009

Dear Students,

It might be some of you still having the homesickness ‘syndrom’, especially among the new intake students. We do understand, that once you leave your home to attend college or university, you leave behind your support system, the sense of familiarity and your level of comfort as you have had in previous life.

Do not worry, as this is only a kind of challenge to be a matured man indeed. Let’s learn some tips to overcome your homesickness:

A. Working with your thoughts:

Thoughts no.1:

Instead of saying : “I don’t fit in here & want to transfer”,

You might try to say: “I am learning how to adjust here. More practice will make this easier. This feeling is normal and I want to give myself more time before making any big decision to leave”

Thoughts no. 2:

Instead of saying: “I hate making changes. I’m too nervous to relax here”

Try to say: I can calm down and take this one step at a time. I’ve been
upset and anxious before in my life and I’ve managed to get by and even
have more self-confidence for hanging in there”

B. Take action:

Structure your time. You may participate in student activities. Join any club and society. Lots of activities conducted by club & societies in UNITAR. Just view the email announcement, and if you are interested to join the club/society, refer it to any MPM member.

C. Focus on something relaxing:

Listening to music, going for a walk, exercising or talking with a friend might help you though.

D. Balance your life

Be realistic about what to expect from student life and from yourself. Establish a balance between play & study, and between adaptation life with friends.

Life in hostel is sometimes hectic too. But the more you mingle around with others, the more experience you have, and the more matured you would be.

Ok students, life has to go on. View, explore, take action and experience it. You might be someone whom others will respect you in future. J

If you have some concerns to share, you might see and talk with one of the below counselors. You are free to EMAIL or make an APPOINTMENT with either:

1. Ms Nuzha Mohd Taha (03-76277340) - nuzha@unitar.edu.my
2. Ms Amberley Yiew Sook Pin (03-76277435) - sookpin@unitar.edu.my

"The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join it"

Regards

Counseling & Career Development Unit

Student Affairs Department

UNITAR KJ