Dealing with Homesickness: Easy Ways to Stay Close to Family While Studying Abroad

For international students, the first 24 hours in a new country can be quite intense.

There‘s the excitement of being in a new country with a new culture; of all the opportunities that await.

There’s the nervousness of exploring the unknown.

And then there’s homesickness.

Homesickness hits everyone who’s away from their home for extended periods.

International students, in particular, are vulnerable to feeling homesick. An article from Liverpool John Moores University states that 35% of new students experience homesickness.

So, if you’ve just landed in the UK for college or university and want to learn more about the topic, you’re in the right place. This article explores homesickness, its underlying causes, and the symptoms to look out for. We’ve also discussed how international students can stay connected with their families and deal with homesickness. Continue reading!

Understanding Homesickness

So, what is homesickness?

WebMD describes homesickness as the feeling of emotional distress when you’re away from home and in a new, unfamiliar environment.

This sounds like a situation that an international student will be all too familiar with.

And the thing is, it can hit you when you least expect it to.

Like, you might be taking a walk and come across a sight that’s common back home.

Or, randomly remembering on a weekend, how you would spend your Saturdays with your friends back home.

Homesickness is a completely natural feeling. Everybody feels homesick from time to time.

There is nothing wrong with you if you’re feeling homesick. But it becomes a problem when it starts interfering with other areas of your life.

Here are some common symptoms of homesickness:

Physical Symptoms

• Trouble sleeping
• Lack of appetite
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal issues

Cognitive Symptoms

• Frequent thoughts of returning home
• Pessimism about the new environment
• Concentration issues

Emotional Symptoms

• Low mood
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Easily irritable
• Increased anxiety and worry

It’s important to keep an eye out for the symptoms of homesickness. Like every other condition out there, early detection can be quite effective in dealing with homesickness.

That begs the question: why do people feel homesick?

Here are some reasons why:

• Lifestyle Disruption: When you move away from home, all your daily routines take a hit. The transition period where you form new routines and habits can be stressful for many.
• Trouble Adapting to the New Environment: Adaptability is not a skill that, unfortunately, many people master. Because of this, many end up sticking to their old habits, purposefully avoiding instances that may force them to change.
• Culture Clash: The contrast in cultures might increase the time taken for international students to adapt, making it difficult to form friendships and think more about their home.
• Feelings of Being Left Out: Even if you get used to your surroundings, you may still feel left out. This often happens when you cannot find the right crowd or relate to anything around you.
• Missing Old Friends: Moving to the UK for studies means leaving behind friendships, some of which were formed while they were children. The thought of their old friends and remembering the times they were together leads to feelings of homesickness.

Now that you know what homesickness is, let’s look at some ways international students can stay connected with their families back home.

Easy Ways International Students Can Stay Connected with Their Families

Being in touch with friends and family in their home country is an essential part of an international student’s life. On top of that, it can help you alleviate homesickness.

Here are some easy and affordable ways you can stay connected with your family, no matter where they are.

Regular Calls

This includes voice and video calls.

Hearing the voice of a loved one might be the push some need to go through difficult times.

A mobile plan is one tool that you can use to stay updated on what’s happening back home.

But there’s a catch here.

Most operators will ask you to purchase an international add-on. The exceptions to this rule are MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) like Lyca Mobile.

With a Lyca Mobile PAYG plan, you can make international calls without paying extra or purchasing an add-on.

Here are some awesome PAYG plans from Lyca Mobile that come with international benefits.

The best thing about these plans is that you also get plenty of 5G data. This allows you to make video calls without worrying about not having enough at the end of each month.

A word of advice. As useful as it might sound, regularly calling home can sometimes have the opposite effect. Keeping home calls to a healthy amount allows you to blend well with your new environment while still staying connected with your family.

Texting & Messaging Apps

If calls aren’t your thing, then choose one of the numerous messaging apps and text away.

These apps even come with cool stickers to express yourself. Use them as you see fit.

On top of that, you can also create groups. Create a group where you and your family can share pictures and videos.

Don’t forget social media. You can always upload pictures and tag your friends/family, even if they aren’t a part of it!

Virtual Movie Nights

Thanks to technology, you don’t have to be in the same room to watch a movie.

There are dedicated apps that allow multiple people to watch a show/movie at the same time.

Some streaming services also have built-in features for hosting virtual watch parties. The only requirement is that all members of the group must have a subscription to the streaming service.

Play Online Games Together

This has the dual benefit of allowing you to stay connected with loved ones and have fun at the same time.

Not just that, online games can help you relax and improve concentration.

Online gaming can also lead to new routines, depending on the type of game you play. Managing virtual gardens and homes can be a source of healthy distraction while still allowing you to converse with your friends and family.

How International Students Can Build a Support Network in the UK

Yes, it is important to stay in touch with your friends and family as an international student.

But it is equally important to also build a support network around you. A network that you can rely on for emotional wellbeing, employment opportunities, internships, and more.

Here are some time-tested ways international students can build a support network in the UK.

• Make new friends: As obvious as it sounds, the friends you make are going to be an integral part of your time here in the UK. They can keep you company and hone your skills while helping keep homesickness at bay.
• Find Local Communities: All colleges/universities have groups that you can join. Find one based on your interests and allocate time to participate in them. This gives you the chance to meet new people who share similar interests.
• Volunteer: Volunteering has proven benefits to physical and mental health. Spend time at a local dog rescue/rehoming centre, offer your assistance in your area of expertise or simply pick a cause that you care about. You’ll feel good about contributing to society, develop skills, and get to enhance your network.

Essential Tips to Deal with Homesickness

As said before, homesickness is a completely natural response. You don’t have to be ashamed or feel bad that you’re missing home.

However, it’s also important to keep the feelings of homesickness in check and avoid it meddling with other aspects of your life.

If you feel that you’re missing home a bit too much, then here are some points to consider:

• Be Kind to Yourself: Don’t beat yourself up over the fact that you’re missing home and others aren’t. It’s natural to miss the people and surroundings you grew up with. Change takes time.
• Get a Hobby: Immerse yourself in doing things you love. Take up an art class, volunteer or join a student organisation; do things that help you feel at home while also allowing you to socialise and better yourself.
• Stay Active: You don’t necessarily have to work out daily, but don’t avoid physical activity. Even a simple walk around the campus or neighbourhood can do wonders for your physical and mental health.
• Remember the Stay is Temporary: Don’t forget that you’re not going to stay here forever. Your stay here is temporary, and so is your feeling of homesickness.
• Travel: Visiting new places can be beneficial to your mental health. Explore the EU, try new dishes, learn a new language, the possibilities are endless. You can choose to go as a group or by yourself.
• Maintain a Gratitude Journal: Like exercising, journalling has plenty of benefits. Expressing your thoughts and feelings is a great way to tackle homesickness. Go through your journal after a while and you’ll be amazed at the progress you’ve made.
• Seek Professional Help: Get professional help if homesickness feels overwhelming. Many colleges/universities have counsellors and support groups that offer assistance to students who are homesick. Take advantage of them.

Final Thoughts

Being an international student in the UK comes with its list of challenges, and homesickness is one of them.

It will take time to get used to your surroundings. Some take a few weeks, while for others it can be a few months.

You will face a few roadblocks along the way, and that’s okay. Everyone does!

Homesickness can be tackled. Embrace the change and be open to new experiences and opportunities.

If things don’t seem to change, remember that professional help is always available, either on campus or in your hall of residence. Don’t hesitate to reach out. Good luck!