International student Daniela shares her top tips for battling homesickness.
Homesickness is a common feeling amongst university students. After all, most of us are new to living on our own and being fully independent. However, for international students it can be especially tough, since we have to settle into university life away from the culture, language and way of life we are used to. As an international student, I understand how overwhelming and even isolating adapting to this new life can be. However, after a year at Bath, I have found several ways to ease this homesickness and make me feel a bit closer to home.
- Joining cultural societies
If you’re an international student, it’s very likely that there is a society for your country and culture. I personally find engaging with these societies very comforting. Not only because you’re interacting with people with a similar cultural background as you, but because they understand the challenges of moving into a new country. During freshers week, I attended a Latin American society event and even though I was raised in Spain, engaging with people from similar cultural backgrounds helped ease my initial homesickness.
- Attend the international student group
A great way to meet other international students is to attend the weekly international student group. It is also a great way to unwind after a stressful week in university, as it has relaxed activities such as crafts or board games. In my experience, having a space specifically for international students to chat, relax and do activities together can help ease the isolation caused by homesickness.
- Going to the language café
Sometimes what I miss the most about home is just being able to speak my mother tongue. Because of this, I was happy to learn about the language cafe; an event held by the university where people can volunteer to have conversations in their own language. Sometimes something as simple as speaking your own language can help ease homesickness.
- Implementing your culture into your daily life
One of my favourite ways to feel more at home in the UK is to find ways to implement your culture into your daily life. It doesn’t need to be very intense; something simple like reading in your native language or eating a meal from home can help. I personally like doing this by sharing my culture with others. During my second semester of university I became a Spanish PAL leader, which helped me reconnect and share my Spanish and Latin American roots.
- Seek support from the university
Sometimes homesickness can feel all-consuming and have a negative impact in your life. If this is the case for you, there are plenty of campus service to help. The international support service provides practical advice for integrating into UK life. Meanwhile, the Student Support Advice Service can provide any emotional support you may need during your time at university.
I hope these tips were useful and informative! Homesickness as an international student can be really tough, but even simple actions like these ones can truly make a difference. To any international student who may be homesick, you’ve got this!
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