A Qualitative Study on the Effects of Homesickness on Mental Health and Sleep Among Newly Admitted Students Residing in Hostels in Public Universities of Punjab, Pakistan

Background: Homesickness is a significant psychological challenge for newly admitted university students living in hostels, affecting their mental health and sleep patterns. Despite its prevalence, limited qualitative research has explored homesickness in the specific socio-cultural context of Punjab, Pakistan. Objective: This study aims to examine the impact of homesickness on mental health and sleep disturbances among newly admitted hostel students in public universities of Punjab, Pakistan, identifying emotional, behavioral, and academic consequences alongside coping strategies. Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted using semi-structured interviews with n = 10 newly admitted university students meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Data was analyzed thematically to identify key patterns in students’ experiences. Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Review Board, ensuring compliance with the Helsinki Declaration. Results: Thematic analysis revealed that homesickness led to heightened stress, loneliness, and depressive symptoms, often manifesting as sleep disturbances, academic disengagement, and physical exhaustion. Social support deficits and unfamiliar hostel environments exacerbated distress. However, students adopting coping mechanisms such as social networking, extracurricular activities, and physical exercise reported improved emotional adaptation. Conclusion: Homesickness significantly disrupts mental well-being and sleep in university students. Institutional interventions, such as structured peer support and recreational activities, could mitigate its effects, enhancing student well-being and academic success.