University was the best three years of my life, but at first it didn't seem like it was going to be. I was really excited about going, but after about three days of the relentless socialising of freshers' week I became awfully homesick. Homesickness is a normal part of starting university, and although it might not seem like it now, there are plenty of things you can do make yourself feel happier.

The National Union of Students believes that between 50 and 70% of UK students experience homesickness, particularly those who've moved far away from home. As the counselling service at the University of St Andrews states: "It is entirely reasonable for people to feel homesick. Indeed, it is an understandable response to a very significant life change."

If you're feeling homesick, it's important not to blame yourself; it isn't your fault, and doesn't make you strange. University is all about growing up; it's a huge transition, and it can take you a while to adjust. Everything is suddenly very different: a new place, new people, a new course, combined with the pressure to be having the very best time of your life.

If freshers' week hasn't been as good as you were expecting, don't worry. I remember freshers' week as a time when everyone drank more than they wanted to and tried to look cooler than they were. When it's over, everyone became a lot more normal.

You might be unlucky though, and realise that you've been put in a flat with lunatics and people who use the word "banter" in a non-ironic way. If so, there are things that can help, like buying posters and printing photos to remind you of home, and having lots of books and DVDs to distract you if you get low.

Try and establish routines quickly, such as a particular way you walk into university, or a day on which you do a weekly food shop. This can make your new environment feel more stable and will hopefully make you feel more settled. And, if you're really not happy with the flat you've been put in, then it's always worth contacting your university accommodation services to see if you could be moved.

One of the best things to do is to keep yourself busy. If you're studying a degree with few contact hours and a lot of independent study it can make your homesickness even worse.

Kate Nave, a student at King's College London, became homesick after not making good friends in halls. She says:

"I was expecting to be hanging out with my halls mates to the early hours eating pizza and discussing anything and everything. Turns out half of the people only wanted to go clubbing every single night, and the other half rarely left their rooms. I felt incredibly alone."

It was only when Kate met her coursemates that she started to settle in. "There are so many different ways to meet people at uni; if you don't click with people in your halls then there are people on your course, and then there are all the people at the 200 odd sports clubs and societies."

Joining clubs and societies will help you find other like-minded people. Societies also force you to get out and about; although sitting in your room alone eating a jar of Nutella might seem appealing, you're not going to make any friends that way. Universities are great for encouraging eccentric pursuits; if you're passionate about ultimate frisbee, then chances are someone else will be too.

If you're worried that your unhappiness might be more serious, then there are sources of help and support available at every university. Signs of depression and anxiety shouldn't be ignored. Go to a GP (make sure you're registered with one at uni) and ask for advice about different treatments.

Every university will have a counselling service and even if you're sceptical or scared by the thought of seeking professional help, it's worth going for an initial appointment. I had counselling at university, and it really helped me deal with my homesickness and enjoy my degree. It's not something to be ashamed of; everyone I've ever told has always been supportive.

So if you're feeling homesick, just remember that it's normal and help is available. The most important thing to do is to talk to people, and not to feel like you're a failure or abnormal for having doubts and worries about your new life.

Chances are, you will settle in soon, and have the best time at university. The three years will rush by, and when its all over you'll even start to get nostalgic about being homesick.

Decorating your university bedroom with bits and bobs from home can help with homesickness. Share your pictures with us of how you have decorated your space.