Follow these tips to overcome homesickness as an international student
Being away from home hundreds or even thousands of kilometres comes with emotional strains. Feeling homesick can particularly affect students who grew up outside the UK. The pandemic has additionally impacted travels and limited short home visits. Many international students have been separated from their families and friends for quite some time, thus missing home becomes often inevitable. This feeling will eventually go away but here we share few tips to help you deal with it.
Keep in touch with friends and family
It’s very important to stay connected with your home especially if you’re feeling lonely. You don’t want to miss out back home stay in touch with your loved ones. Suggest a schedule with regular calls or choose a day together when both sides can find time for a chat. Make use of social media to stay up to date with your friends daily. Another great idea is to invite your family and friends to visit you in your university city. It’s the perfect opportunity to show them around, spend time together and they will probably remind you how amazing it is that you study there!
Find your routine
Creating a routine might be a good idea to have something to look forward to. Whatever works best for you, you can schedule going for a quick run every morning or doing groceries every Sunday. Creating structure to your day will enable you to focus more on your new life in the new surroundings.
Join a society
Most universities have very diverse options when it comes to the societies they offer. Try to find a student club that has members from your home country or celebrates your culture. It’s an amazing feeling to celebrate a national holiday abroad as it makes you feel that you’re a part of a community. You may find it easier to connect with people with similar traditions however don’t be afraid to explore other cultures. You may find out that there are plenty of connections.
Explore your new surroundings
Visit the cafes and shops nearby your accommodation to get the feel of your new environment. Similar to having a routine a good medicine for homesickness is finding a familiar place that will make you feel as at home. It can be your favourite restaurant, bookshop or a spot to go for a walk.
Meet new people
Socialising is a great way to stop thinking about your home. It can be very intimidating at the beginning but making friends is a good distraction. Creating positive memories at a new place will make you appreciate it and remind you how lucky you are to be there. Connecting with people will also make you realise that you are not the only one dealing with homesickness. Supporting each other can create special bonds between people so don’t be afraid to open up and share your experiences.
Make use of the resources that are available to you
If you feel that your well-being is affected check out the services offered by your university. Whether it is your personal tutor, student advisor, or anyone from the staff supporting students they should know how to help you or will put you in contact with someone who knows.
