[{"text_idx": "#000026", "text": "What is it really like moving away from home?"}, {"text_idx": "#000027", "text": "Moving away from home can be daunting and exciting. It is a big step and you should make sure you are fully ready for the move. As soon as my family drove away after dropping me off, I sobbed! I felt so sad, so lost and very lonely. I had not expected to feel as homesick as I did, I was so excited to go to uni and embark on a new adventure and I did not think for a second that I would feel homesick at all. I wish I had thought more about what life would be like away from my family, my home, and all my routines. Luckily I came to university with my boyfriend so I did not feel all too lonely and scared! But even with him with me, I still felt homesick for a few long weeks."}, {"text_idx": "#000028", "text": "Moving away from home is not all negative and homesickness does not last forever. Soon I felt comfortable in my new living space and I was getting to know Cardiff well. It is fun moving away from home because you have a new found freedom which develops your independence as you now have to do everything yourself \u2013 cooking, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping. All those chores may seem like a burden but once you get the hang of it all and get into a routine, you\u2019ll find them easy and not too boring! Doing those chores and living away from your family helps sets you up for your adult life."}, {"text_idx": "#000030", "text": "Making meals for yourself can both be a positive and a negative aspect of moving away from home. It can be fun to make new meals that you know you\u2019ll like but it can be difficult to budget and then actually go to the effort of making that meal. One tip is always buy the cheapest option available and do not chose lengthy intricate recipes, make something quick and easy but still full of flavour and lots of veggies! Also don\u2019t forget to buy fruit; at home there was always plenty of fruit available for me but at uni, some days I would go without eating any fruit and I quickly noticed that the days I didn\u2019t eat any fruit were the days that I felt ill and weak. Even though it can be expensive, fruit is vital for your health and it makes a great snack or addition to a meal."}, {"text_idx": "#000031", "text": "Photo by Ella Olsson from Pexels"}, {"text_idx": "#000032", "text": "Overall, moving away from home can be difficult and sad, but for the majority of people it is a really exciting experience. You learn to be more independent and truly enjoy time by yourself. Moving away from home gives you freedom and the ability to always do what you want when you want to do it. It is an experience that is truly valuable. If you do experience homesickness, know that you are not alone and that it will subside eventually!"}]