How to help students manage homesickness

Living away from home in a new environment, country or culture is an exciting prospect for students. Some will have been dreaming for a while of moving out, moving on and experiencing a whole new world.

But for many the reality may be that they applied for a place at a university in a country they had heard of but had visited only briefly – if at all.

Students should not underestimate the power of culture shock, and the importance of thinking in advance about how to tackle homesickness. Being miles away from home – whether a car ride or a plane journey (and time zone) away – means that students can quickly come to feel isolated.

The initial buzz of university life will settle down, work will kick in and students will be left reeling. Some will experience low moods or depression. This complicated mix of emotions makes it essential for students to keep in regular contact with loved ones.

The following are some tips you can share with your students to help them combat homesickness and culture shock:

1. Call home regularly

Checking in with someone familiar at the end of each day or each week can give students something to look forward to, and can help them to reconnect with home. They should build in time to have a conversation, rather than just communicating via messages or emails. While they may need to negotiate incompatible time zones or parents’ or carers’ working hours, it will be worth it – hearing a familiar voice or seeing a familiar face will make a big difference. They shouldn’t assume that calling home will make them more homesick, or that it’s too soon to call.

2. A problem shared

Students won’t be the only ones coping with change – their loved ones back home will be, too. Keeping in regular contact and sharing news, updates and photographs of where they have been and what they are doing can be reassuring for all concerned. Easing other people’s anxiety may also help ease their own.

3. Do some homework

Students should do their research: before travelling to their new home, look up coffee shops, beaches, walks or parks where they can spend their time. Once there, they should spend time exploring – not forgetting to send pictures of new places to friends and family back home.

4. Prepare for a culture shock

Moving to any new area will mean a shift in culture. Moving from the country to a city, from West to East or from South to North means learning a new etiquette. Avoid embarrassment by mastering a few basic rules in advance. What are the key dos and don’ts?

5. Check the weather

Being underprepared for weather conditions can be frustrating – and very uncomfortable. If students have been used to warm weather, they should expect to feel cold – often, even indoors. They should stock up in advance on a few essentials: a good coat, plenty of socks and decent shoes (for all the exploring they’ll be doing).

6. Arrange accommodation in advance

Not all universities provide accommodation, and students will have a smoother transition if they know in advance where they will be living. They should research the safest areas and they typical prices, and watch out for scammers. If they are able, they should visit in advance so they can familiarise themselves with their new environment. It will feel a lot less daunting if they can picture where they are going to be living.

7. Bring home comforts and photographs

University accommodation can be stark and basic, and may be a world away from what students are be used to. It is common to share a living area, kitchen and bathroom with others. While this may feel uncomfortable to begin with, students will quickly get used to it. To help with the adjustment, they should pack some of their favourite things from home: a pillow, a blanket, a beloved toy or a few decorative items. They should try to have some photos printed that will make them smile. Having a few familiar faces in the room can provide reassurance.

8. Find a shop that sells food from home

No matter where they are from, or what distance they have travelled, students will crave certain foods once at university. They should try to find a supermarket, grocery store or online delivery outlet that sells their favourite foods, so that they can order the comfort food they need, when they need it.