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Many students have to relocate for their desired studies and future career. Far away from home, many new circumstances await you, to which you must first get used. Even during a semester abroad, homesickness can quickly set in when your friends and family are far away and you’re no longer even familiar with the language. But with the following tips, you’ll be taken care of even in acute cases and homesickness during your studies will soon be a thing of the past.
When you start your studies, you take a big step. You have to organise your studies well and take care of a lot of things from one day to the next – from making progress in your studies to financial issues during your studies to your own household. In shared flats, you first have to warm up to the others before living together works out well. Or maybe you live alone and are not used to spending your evenings just with yourself. The daily rhythm is different, everything is new and the responsibility is suddenly great. This change can make you long for home and for the things that are important to you: friends, pets, sports clubs and, of course, family.
Feeling homesick? No need to be ashamed or worried. What you’re feeling right now is not uncommon. It’s just that many students don’t like to talk about the topic of homesickness during their studies. But one thing is for sure: starting university is a big task and many students need some time at first to find their feet. Even if moving out of home sounds like an exciting adventure, it quickly turns out to be an emotional challenge for most people. But don’t worry: you will find ways to settle in. Besides, change always takes time. A tip or two certainly won’t hurt to take a shortcut.
Distractions are a good thing. Sports or exercise in the fresh air will definitely help to improve your mood. Depending on where you live, there are local sports or recreational activities that you simply must try – whether you live abroad or in another city. Recreational activities are a great way to meet new people. If you miss your familiar surroundings, try to plan at least one activity per day that you really like to do. This will help you discover your new home and get more comfortable over time.
In a new flat or a room in a shared flat, everything is strange at first. Try to make your living space comfortable so that it bears your signature. You can do this, for example, with objects and mementos that are important to you. Beautiful photos, decorations with personal value or your own pieces of furniture create a sense of normality, even if everything else is new.
It’s rare to create such delicious meals in a shared kitchen as you do at home. And after all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Instead of only eating ready-made meals and fast food menus, healthy food should go into your fridge. Healthy snacks also help to boost your overall wellbeing.
Need a good dose of encouragement? Then make a phone call, Skype or chat with your loved ones. This way you can recharge your batteries and get good advice when you need it. Often the world looks very different after an uplifting conversation than it did before.
How easy this is to do depends, of course, on the distance. If possible, you can commute home more often in the beginning and change the intervals over time. If that’s not possible, plan now for a longer stay in the coming semester break. You will see that the time in between will pass quickly.
Every beginning is difficult and good things take time. Face your challenges and tackle problems proactively instead of sitting them out. Need help with something? Then don’t be afraid to ask friends, parents, local acquaintances or the student council. There is a solution for everything. Also, don’t forget that moving is an automatic part of having a career. Think of your homesickness during your studies as an exercise in being spatially flexible for the future. Dealing with newness and homesickness is something you can learn.
Have you always wanted to learn a new foreign language or improve your personal skills? Then you’re in luck. Because in cities with lots of students, there’s often a lot to discover: from discount offers in restaurants to free courses at the university. It’s a great way to get your mind off things. Distraction is always a good remedy for acute homesickness.
Homesickness at university says something special: You feel at home! Social contacts, important friendships or family are the main reasons why many people miss home. If you feel the same way, the question arises as to how you can build up a new circle of friends locally. Remember that most students are in the same situation and are also looking for new acquaintances. Learn to actively approach people. If you want to kick things off, organise a party. With these party games, the evening is sure to be the talk of the town.
