Okay, let’s be honest. Studying abroad is amazing, but it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Homesickness is a real thing, and it can hit you hard when you’re miles away from your family, friends, and everything familiar. But don’t worry! It’s totally normal, and there are lots of things you can do to stay connected and happy while you’re living your international adventure.
Give Yourself Time and Be Kind to Yourself
First things first: remember that you’re not alone. It’s normal to feel homesick in your first few weeks or months. You’re exploring a new city, experiencing a new culture, meeting new people, and learning new things. Give yourself time to adjust. Be kind to yourself. It’s okay to feel sad, lonely, or overwhelmed. It is not a process you can rush. Every up and down is a learning experience. Just because you are in a new and exciting place doesn’t mean you become any less human.
Establish a Routine
Keep busy and establish a daily or weekly routine. Your routine shouldn’t just be about classes and assignments; include fun activities! This will help you focus on the positives and give you less time to miss home. Integrating old habits into your new daily routine can be helpful with your adaptation into the new environment.
Stay Connected (But Don’t Overdo It)
- Video chat is your best friend. Set up weekly FaceTime calls with your family and friends.
- Send handwritten letters and postcards.
- Send pictures of all your abroad adventures.
- Take a break from social media. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real. Limit your time on social media so you’re experiencing what’s around you, and not just posing for likes.
Embrace Your New Home
- Explore your surroundings. Take advantage of being in a foreign place. Go outside. Walk around. Plan to travel and fill up your days with new sites, places, and experiences.
- Join clubs and societies. Find associations located nearby where you can meet like-minded people who enjoy doing the same hobbies you do.
- Meet new people. Put yourself out there!
Keep Doing What You Enjoy
Just because you’ve moved overseas doesn’t mean everything needs to change. Keep up hobbies you enjoyed back home to help your new environment feel more welcoming. Do all of the things that you loved to do at home in order to make a new place feel more homey.
Take Care of Yourself
- Exercise regularly. Join a local gym or yoga class. Walk or bike wherever you can.
- Make your new house a home. Bring a few photos from home of your family and friends to decorate your dorm!
- Eat healthy foods. Cooking your native foods may also help.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If nothing seems to be lifting that dark cloud, don’t hesitate to seek support from a professional. Family and friends can certainly provide a shoulder to lean on, but counselors are trained to listen and give feedback in a non-judgmental and confidential space.
Your school may have counseling services in English for study abroad students. Chat to a friend, fellow international student, lecturer, or international officer. If you are really struggling, you should consider speaking to someone about your feelings. There will be lots of people who want to help you, and universities are very much used to helping people who are feeling homesick or sad. Don’t suffer in silence.
Remember It’s Temporary
Remember that you’ll be home soon! Your time to enjoy everything that your location has to offer is limited, so enjoy it while you have it!
Homesickness is a very real issue, but it’s not one that has to hold you back. Everyone handles homesickness at their own pace. Take your time, be kind to yourself, and remember to enjoy the big picture.