Beating Homesickness: Here’s How…

Find a Restaurant That Serves Homely ‘Comfort’ Food

Nothing brings comfort and familiarity like home-cooked meals. Thankfully, the UK’s rich multicultural landscape means you can find restaurants serving dishes from all over the world.

Treat yourself to a meal that reminds you of home then. Better yet, cook something yourself and share it with your new pals. It’s a great way to introduce your culture to others while also enjoying some of your much-loved ‘comfort’ meals.

Make Your Room Your Own

Your room is your sanctuary, so make it feel like home. Even if you can’t make permanent changes, adding personal touches can help ease the transition to a new country (and new accommodation).

Decorate your space with photos of friends and family, bring along your favourite bedding, and put up posters and pictures that make you smile.

Adding small touches like cushions, fairy lights, or other trinkets from home can make a big difference when it comes to making your new space feel like your old bedroom.

Exercise!

Staying active is a great way to combat homesickness by improving your mental health. Exercise releases endorphins that boost your mood and help you manage stress, so why not join an on-campus sports team or fitness class? Not only will you meet new people, but you’ll feel much better. Take a look at what your university has to offer; most offer everything from team sports to classes like yoga or Zumba, for example.

Connect with People from Your Home Country

While making local friends is important when you move somewhere new, connecting with people from your home country can be incredibly comforting too.

Your new pals will understand your cultural references, share your sense of humour, and can offer support on days when you’re missing home. Look for student groups, social media pages, or community events, where you can meet like-minded people and feel more at home while you’re living abroad.

In general, it’s a good idea to get involved with activities you’d have participated in at home. Universities in the UK offer a wide range of clubs and societies, including gaming, sports, and music. Joining these groups is a great way to meet people with similar interests and keep a sense of continuity in your life.

Call Home (But Not Too Much)

Staying in touch with family and friends back home is important. It’s good to strike a balance though.

Frequent calls can sometimes make homesickness worse, especially if you’re spending more time online than with people around you. Start with regular calls and gradually reduce them as you get more involved in your new environment. Be mindful of time zones too, as late-night calls might leave you feeling tired and disconnected during the day.  

Give Yourself Time

Adjusting to a new country and university life takes time. Be patient with yourself; it’s okay if you don’t feel settled immediately. If homesickness starts to feel overwhelming though, don’t hesitate to seek help. Many universities offer counseling services and support groups for international students; find the right group for you and you’ll be glad you did.

Started university abroad? The best thing you can do is get stuck in! It might feel uncomfortable at first, but nothing good comes from playing it safe. Say hello to people and join some groups – you’ll be so glad you did.