In this episode of Nailing Homesickness, Amanda Ferrari chats with Phoebe, a Year 10 boarder at Methodist Ladies’ College in Melbourne, who began boarding at the start of Year 9 after growing up on her family’s farm in northern Victoria.
Phoebe reflects on the early days of boarding – leaving a small country school where she’d been since kindergarten, adjusting to city life, and navigating the overwhelm of new faces, routines and expectations. She speaks candidly about the challenges of that transition, but also about the opportunities that drew her to boarding in the first place.
From throwing herself into sport and co-curricular activities, to learning when to seek company and when to take quiet time for herself, Phoebe shares thoughtful, practical strategies for managing homesickness and settling in. She also highlights the importance of staying connected to home – nightly phone calls, photos from the farm, and knowing that those country friendships are still there when she returns.
This is a reassuring and uplifting conversation for families considering boarding school, particularly those starting in Year 9. Phoebe’s story is a reminder that while the leap can feel big, growth, independence and lifelong friendships often follow.
If this episode resonates, you may also enjoy our conversation with Archie from northern Queensland, who boards in Brisbane and also began boarding in Year 9 – a powerful companion listen from the opposite end of the country.
A big thank you to Little Big Dairy Co for sponsoring our Nailing Homesickness miniseries. A family owned and operated dairy that brings fresh milk to your fridge.
