The idea of moving far away from the comfort of home is intriguing to many. You may fantasise about your new life, friends, and experiences. But oftentimes the realities of moving to a new country and starting over can be a challenge. Of course, we’re talking about homesickness.

Homesickness is one of the primary challenges of studying abroad. Everyone who has ever made the big move can attest to the fact that at one point or another, you’re going to feel homesick. This is perfectly normal and expected. So, how do you get over homesickness?

Fortunately, OSHC Australia has created a list of tips to show you how to cope with homesickness abroad so you can make the most of your experience. Consider these tips to help you combat homesickness.

Practical Tips to Cope Homesickness

1. Maintain Connections With Loved Ones

Although you’re physically away from home, this doesn’t mean your relationships with friends and loved ones can’t stay intact. With technology and digital communication, keeping in touch has never been easier.

Be sure to regularly message, call, video chat, and keep up with your inner circle. Perhaps even setting up a schedule to call your parents once a week can help. Stay connected and reach out when you’re feeling especially lonely. 

No one knows you like your family and we can guarantee you’ll feel better after a call home. After all, these people love you and are excited about your journey. They’ll want to hear about your new life and experiences.

2. Build Support Network Abroad

As humans, we need social interaction. For overseas students studying in Australia, a support network is crucial. You’re going to be in a new city and country, and having the right people around you can completely change your experience. Making new friends or entering into existing social groups isn’t always easy but there are ways around this.

There are various on-campus resources, clubs, and events tailored to connecting university students and there are even events specifically for international students. Meeting someone else who is going through the same experience as you can be something to bond over initially. 

Meeting locals can introduce you to things that you wouldn’t have otherwise been exposed to. A great way to meet people is through extracurricular activities, social events, sports, volunteering, and part-time work. 

There are also social media groups on Facebook and threads on Reddit for people in your exact situation. Don’t be shy, get out there and make some new mates!

3. Create a Daily Routine

Once you’re settled into your new home, it may take a while to adjust to things such as the time difference, being a university student, and just the ins and outs of everyday life in your new country. It can honestly be pretty overwhelming but creating a schedule is pertinent to creating a sense of normalcy. 

By establishing a routine you can better occupy your time and make the most out of every day. This should help to mitigate those feelings of loneliness, disorientation, and uncertainty. Trust the process and you’ll be comfortable in no time.

4. Give Yourself Time

Acknowledge that adjustment takes time and you’ve just made a huge decision that will pay off in the long run. It’s normal to feel out of place at first. Technically you are out of place, you’re in a completely new environment and it’s going to take patience during the transition. 

You’ll get there eventually but, in the meantime, just try to take it one day at a time and enjoy getting familiar with your new surroundings.

Keep up Your Habits

It is advisable to keep up with your hobbies and interests in your new country. Nothing grounds us like familiarity and you may soon find people who share your interests. 

Continue the same healthy habits and routines you did at home because, before you know it, it will begin to feel ‘normal’ in your new surroundings.

Exercise Regularly

There is a long list of mental and physical benefits of regular exercise. If you had a dedicated workout routine back home, you should try to emulate it here. If you don’t, then this is a perfect opportunity to create one. 

Joining a gym, attending fitness classes, and exploring the great outdoors are a great way to keep you in shape, prioritise your mental health, and can even be a gateway to meeting new people.

Schedule Some “Me” Time

While you are out exploring, meeting people, attending classes and studying, don’t forget about you. Prioritise self-care and self-love by tending to yourself. 

There is nothing wrong with scheduled alone time every week to relax, reset, and dull the outside noise. There is a whole world out there and it's easy to get lost in it if you are not centred.

Learn Something New

While you’re here, you should expand your horizons. This could look like taking up a new hobby, learning a new skill, a part-time job, or anything else you can think of. The point is to do something you’ve never done before.

This doesn’t mean you necessarily have to sky-dive your first day in Australia, but keep your eyes peeled for things that sound interesting and challenge your established way of thinking. This is how we grow as people.

5. Seek Help When Needed

Being a homesick student requires a great deal of independence and maturity. Independence is a given but maturity is the blossoming of your soul's awareness. Nothing is more mature than seeking out help when it is needed.

Whether this involves a call home, confiding in a new friend, or seeking therapy to discuss the not-so-glamorous aspects of homesickness for international students, reaching out will always be the right thing to do.

Every university will have mental health services available, simply browse the university website, do a quick Google search, or ask a member of the student services department. Remember that maturity is a lifelong journey and seeking help when it is needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Recognise the Signs of Homesickness

Coping with homesickness is easier said than done and is invariably something that every international student will encounter at some point. By maintaining connections with loved ones, building a support network, creating a daily routine, giving yourself time, and seeking help when needed, you’ll have all the tools for how to deal with homesickness.

Homesickness is extremely manageable with the right approach, mindset, and resources. Don’t let homesickness deter you; these can be the best years of your life if you believe in yourself and give it a chance.