Lori Meadows
International students often face homesickness, and it is completely normal to feel confused and lost when adjusting to a new country, university, and language. Homesickness is a common emotion for many international students, and it can strike at any time during their university life. However, there are numerous ways to cope with homesickness and make the most of your time abroad.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Stay in touch with friends and family | Use video calls, phone calls, or messages to stay connected with loved ones back home |
| Make new friends | Join clubs or activities, be open to meeting new people, and connect with others in a similar situation |
| Explore your surroundings | Get to know your university town or city, go for walks, do sightseeing, or get involved in local community activities |
| Seek support | Reach out to university counsellors or student representatives; utilise mental health and counselling services provided by the university |
| Create a homely environment | Bring your favourite belongings, such as bedding, photos, or trinkets, to make your new space feel comfortable and familiar |
| Stay positive | Focus on the reasons for your current situation and the growth it brings; surround yourself with supportive people and maintain a healthy lifestyle |
| Accept and adapt | Embrace new experiences, be kind to yourself, and understand that homesickness is a normal and common emotion |
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What You'll Learn
Stay connected with friends and family back home
Feeling homesick is a common experience for international students, and it can be tough to adjust to a new country and culture. However, there are ways to cope with homesickness and stay connected with friends and family back home.
Firstly, take advantage of technology to stay in touch with your loved ones. Make use of video calling, messaging, and photo-sharing apps to maintain regular contact and share your experiences abroad. Schedule regular calls or virtual events, like watching a movie together, to ensure you always have something to look forward to and feel connected.
It is also beneficial to bring items from home that provide comfort and familiarity. This could include your favourite bedding, photos of friends and family, or small mementos that remind you of happy memories. Decorating your room with these personal items can make your new space feel more like home.
In addition to staying connected with those back home, it is important to build a support network in your new location. Making new friends and joining clubs or activities can help you feel less isolated and more connected to your new community. Remember that many other international students are likely experiencing similar feelings of homesickness, and they can become a valuable part of your support system.
Finally, be mindful of your well-being. Homesickness can impact your mental and physical health, so ensure you are taking care of yourself. Eat healthily, get enough sleep, and stay active. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out for help. Many universities offer counselling services and support specifically for international students dealing with homesickness.
By staying connected with friends and family back home, creating a support network in your new location, and prioritising your well-being, you can effectively manage homesickness and make the most of your time as an international student.
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Make new friends
Making new friends is a great way to overcome homesickness. It can be challenging to put yourself out there, but it will be worth it in the long run. Here are some tips to help you make new friends:
Firstly, remember that you are not alone in feeling homesick. Many international students experience the same emotions and understand the challenges of being away from home. Knowing this can help you feel more comfortable reaching out and connecting with others.
Secondly, get involved in clubs, activities, sports, or societies at your university or within your community. These are excellent ways to meet people with similar interests. Whether it's a hobby you already enjoy or something new, taking part in activities is a great way to start building friendships. Look out for events and socials hosted by your university, as these are designed to help students connect and feel more comfortable.
Thirdly, be open to meeting new people in various settings. Talk to people in your classes, the library, or the cafeteria. Introduce yourself to your roommates and decorate your room together, making it a fun shared activity. You could also reach out to your classmates and ask about their experiences or for advice.
Lastly, stay positive and don't be afraid to ask for help. A positive attitude can make it easier to connect with others and make new friends. If you're struggling, remember that there are people to support you, including friends, counsellors, and student representatives.
Remember, it's okay to feel homesick, and it's normal to need some time to adjust to a new country and culture. Don't pressure yourself to settle in immediately, and take things at your own pace. By staying open-minded, proactive, and positive, you'll be well on your way to making new friends and creating a supportive community around you.
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Explore your new surroundings
One of the main reasons we feel homesick is often due to being in unfamiliar surroundings. Exploring your new environment can help you feel more at home and comfortable in your new location.
Firstly, get to know your campus and the local area. Take walks and do some sightseeing to familiarise yourself with your new surroundings. Find out what's available on your campus, and in the local community. You could even do some voluntary work to help you feel connected to your new home.
Next, make the most of your time by getting involved with clubs and activities. Join a sports team or society to meet people and make friends. Your university will also host events and socials to help you settle in, so take advantage of these opportunities to explore and have fun.
Decorate your room with items that remind you of home. Bring your favourite bedding, photos of family and friends, and any trinkets that will make your new space feel homely. You could also put up images of your friends and family to remind you of happy memories and to make you smile.
Finally, remember that it is normal to feel homesick and that you are not alone. Many international students experience homesickness and there are people and services available to support you, such as university counsellors and mental health support.
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Seek professional help
Feeling homesick is a common experience for international students, and it's important to know that you are not alone in this. While there are many self-help strategies you can employ to cope with homesickness, seeking professional help is also an option. Here are some ways to do that:
University Counselling Services
Most universities have counselling services that are available to all students, including international students. These services typically offer advice and support on dealing with homesickness and other mental health concerns. Counselling services can provide a safe and non-judgmental space to express your feelings and work through them constructively. They can also help you develop strategies to manage your homesickness more effectively.
Student Support Services
Many universities have dedicated student support services or student life teams whose role is to help students with various issues, including homesickness. They can provide guidance, resources, and referrals to other support services. They may also organise social events and activities to help international students feel more connected and comfortable on campus.
Mental Health Professionals
If your homesickness is severe or persists for a long time, consider reaching out to mental health professionals such as therapists or psychologists. They can provide specialised care and treatment for homesickness, which may include cognitive-behavioural therapy, interpersonal therapy, or other evidence-based approaches. These professionals can help you address the underlying causes of your homesickness and improve your overall well-being.
On-Campus Medical Services
Your campus medical office can also be a good starting point for seeking help. They can provide information about the different support services available on campus and in the local community. Additionally, they can help you address any physical health concerns that may be contributing to or affected by your homesickness.
Remember, seeking professional help is a sign of strength and self-care. It is important to take care of your mental health and well-being, especially when dealing with the challenges of being an international student. By reaching out for professional help, you can gain the support and guidance needed to manage your homesickness and thrive in your new academic environment.
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Bring a piece of home with you
Feeling homesick is a common emotion for international students, and it's completely normal to feel confused and lost when adjusting to a new country. One way to cope with homesickness is to bring a piece of home with you. This can help you feel more connected to your loved ones and remind you that you are never too far away from them. Here are some ways to do this:
Bring Familiar Items
When packing for your move, include items that remind you of home. This could be your favourite bedding, photos of family and friends, or trinkets that hold sentimental value. These items will help you feel more comfortable in your new surroundings and create a sense of familiarity. Decorate your new space with these items and make it feel like your own. If you are sharing a room, involve your roommate in the process, as it can be a great way to bond and make your new space feel welcoming to both of you.
Stay Connected with Loved Ones
Maintain regular contact with your friends and family back home. Take advantage of technology to make video calls, send messages, or share pictures. Schedule routine calls or virtual events, like watching a movie together. Ask about their lives and share your experiences. This will help you feel involved in their lives and remind you that your loved ones are just a call away.
Cook Familiar Food
Food can be a powerful reminder of home. Cook your favourite dishes from home or recreate meals that you associate with fond memories. If you are feeling particularly homesick, preparing and enjoying familiar food can provide comfort and a sense of connection to your home country. It can also be a great way to introduce your new friends to your culture and create new memories.
Bring Comfort Items
Bring items that provide you with comfort and reassurance. This could be your beloved teddy bear, a comfy pillow, or a soft blanket. Having these comfort items can help you feel secure and ease the transition to your new environment. They can provide solace during moments of heightened homesickness and serve as a tangible reminder of the familiarity and warmth of home.
Share Your Culture
Bringing a piece of home with you is not just about personal comfort; it's also about sharing your culture and background with others. International students bring a wealth of diverse experiences and traditions to their new communities. Embrace opportunities to share your culture, whether it's through food, music, traditions, or stories. This exchange of cultural knowledge will not only help you feel connected to your home but also enrich the lives of those around you.
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Frequently asked questions
Homesickness is a common emotion for many international students. It's completely normal to feel confused and lost when adjusting to a new country, culture, and language.
When feeling homesick, it is important to stay in touch with friends and family back home. Use video calls or phone calls to stay connected and share your experiences. You can also make your favourite food, surround yourself with familiar comforts, and do things that remind you of your home. Making new friends and exploring your new place can also help you feel better and more connected.
Join clubs or activities to meet people with similar interests. Talk to people in your classes, the library, or the cafeteria. Be open to meeting new people, and you'll soon find friends who share your interests.
Set aside time to explore your new town or city. Go for walks, do some sightseeing, and get to know your campus. Accept new experiences and adapt to your new surroundings.
