Handling Homesickness: Tips from Fellow Students

Studying abroad or moving away from home for college is an exciting adventure, but it also comes with its challenges, one of the biggest being homesickness. No matter how independent or adventurous you are, missing home, family, and familiar surroundings is completely normal. To help you navigate these feelings, we asked international students to share their best tips on overcoming homesickness. Here’s what they had to say.

1. Stay Connected, but Not Too Much

One of the hardest parts of being away is not seeing your family and friends as often as you’d like. While regular calls or video chats can help bridge the gap, too much contact can actually make you feel worse. Nostalgia can sometimes taste more bitter than sweet. So try scheduling weekly check-ins rather than calling every day, so you have something to look forward to without constantly dwelling on what you're missing.

“I call my parents once a week and text my best friends occasionally. It helps me stay in touch without feeling stuck in my old routine.” – Amir, Egypt

2. Create a “Home Away from Home”

Making your new space feel comfortable and personal can make a big difference. Bring small items from home, like photos, a favorite blanket, or even your go-to tea brand. Little details that remind you of home can provide comfort on tough days.

“I decorated my dorm with pictures of my family and posters from my hometown. It made my space feel more like my own and less like a temporary place.” – Anelia, Bulgaria

3. Keep Yourself Busy

Homesickness often creeps in when you have too much free time to think about what you're missing. Join student clubs, attend events, or pick up a new hobby. Keeping yourself engaged will help you feel more connected to your new environment.

“I signed up for a dance club even though I’d never danced before. It was the best decision—I made friends and now I barely have time to feel homesick!” – Luka, Croatia

4. Build a Support System

Making new friends is key to feeling at home in a new place. It can be intimidating at first, but remember that many other students are in the same situation. Try reaching out to classmates, joining international student groups, or attending social events organized by your university. Sometimes your roommates become more than roommates because of the support bond you establish together.

“I get really homesick when I come across old pictures I took at home. In these moments I share everything with my roomie and we even cry together. It’s a soothing feeling to know that I am not alone in missing home and basically everyone feels that way.” – Aisulu, Kazakhstan

5. Explore and Find Your “Favorites”

Instead of focusing on what you miss, try to immerse yourself in the culture of your new home. Visit local cafes, explore the city, and learn about local traditions. The more you engage with your surroundings, the more comfortable you’ll feel. Once you discover your new favorite park, cafe, candy, meal, or street, you will definitely feel more at ease.

“I made a rule to visit one new place every week—whether it’s a park, a museum, or a cool restaurant. It helped me fall in love with my new city.” – Luca, Croatia

6. Maintain Routines and Self-Care

Homesickness can affect your mental and physical well-being, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Try to maintain routines that bring you comfort, whether it’s exercising, cooking meals from home, or journaling about your experiences.

“I keep a gratitude journal where I write down one good thing about my day. It helps me focus on the positives instead of what I miss.” – Zhibek, Kazakhstan

7. Give Yourself Time

Most importantly, be patient with yourself. Adjusting to a new place takes time, and it’s okay to feel homesick. Don’t pressure yourself to have everything figured out immediately—just take it one step at a time.

“At first, I felt guilty for not being happy all the time. But I realized that missing home doesn’t mean I’m not enjoying my experience. Now, I let myself feel those emotions without judging them.” – Lena, Russia

Homesickness is something almost every student experiences at some point. The key is to find a balance and stay connected to home while embracing your new life. Remember, it gets easier with time, and before you know it, your new city will start to feel like home too.