How to Overcome Homesickness When Studying Abroad

26 February 2025

Studying abroad is an exciting adventure. New places, new people, new cultures — it all sounds pretty thrilling, right? But let’s be real: it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. One of the biggest challenges students face when they pack their bags and leave their home country is homesickness. It sneaks up on you when you least expect it, and suddenly, you start missing even the smallest things about home — the smell of your mom’s cooking, the sound of your own language, or even your own bed.

But hey, don’t worry! Homesickness is completely normal, and trust me when I say you’re not the only one feeling it. In fact, almost every student who goes abroad deals with it at some point. The good news? There are ways to manage it, and in this article, we’re going to dive deep into how you can overcome homesickness while studying abroad.

So, let’s get you through this like a pro!

What Is Homesickness?

Before we tackle how to overcome it, let’s first understand what homesickness is. Homesickness is that emotional distress and discomfort you feel when you're away from home. You miss familiar surroundings and people — your family, friends, favorite hangout spots, and even your daily routines. It’s like you’re longing for a place where you feel secure and comfortable.

It’s not just about missing home; it’s also about adjusting to a new environment that feels unfamiliar. Your brain might be on overload with all the new stimuli, leading to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, and even sadness.

But guess what? Feeling homesick is a sign that you have something special back home — something worth missing!

Why Do You Get Homesick?

Now you might be wondering, “Okay, but why do I feel this way?” Homesickness happens because humans are creatures of habit. We love routines and familiarity. Being in a new country, where everything from the language to the food is different, can feel like a shock to your system.

When you’re abroad, you’re out of your comfort zone. You don’t have the familiar faces or places that make you feel at ease. Plus, the pressure of succeeding academically and socially can make things even more overwhelming.

But don’t let homesickness drag you down. It’s simply your brain’s way of coping with change. The trick is learning how to adjust and ultimately thrive in your new surroundings.

The Symptoms of Homesickness

Before jumping into solutions, how do you even know you’re homesick? Here are some common signs:

- Constantly thinking about home: You find yourself daydreaming about family dinners, your pets, or your favorite park.
- Feeling sad or anxious: You have moments of sadness, worry, or even panic because everything feels so different.
- Loss of motivation: You might struggle to focus on your studies because all you want is to be somewhere familiar.
- Avoiding social situations: You might pull back from making new friends because you’re stuck in a bubble of nostalgia.
- Physical symptoms: Homesickness can manifest physically too, like headaches, stomachaches, or even trouble sleeping.

If you’re nodding your head to any of these, don’t fret! You’re not alone, and there are plenty of ways to deal with it.

How to Overcome Homesickness When Studying Abroad

1. Stay Connected with Loved Ones, But Don’t Overdo It

In the age of smartphones and video calls, staying in touch with family and friends back home is easier than ever. That’s both a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it’s comforting to know that your loved ones are just a click away. On the other hand, constantly checking in with home can make it harder for you to embrace your new surroundings.

The key here is balance. Schedule regular calls with your family, but don’t make it an all-day thing. You don’t want to rely too much on your old life. Instead, use these calls as a way to stay grounded while giving yourself space to grow in your new environment.

Pro Tip: Set a specific day or time for video calls. This way, you can look forward to catching up without feeling like you need to be in constant contact.

2. Create a Routine

One of the reasons homesickness hits hard is the feeling of chaos that comes with a new environment. Everything is new, and nothing feels stable. That’s where creating a routine comes in handy.

Establishing a daily or weekly routine can help you regain a sense of control. Whether it’s going to the gym, studying at the same cafe, or even having a favorite breakfast spot, routines can help you feel more at home in a new place.

Pro Tip: Start small. You don’t need to fill up every minute of your day. Setting small goals and sticking to them can provide a sense of accomplishment and normalcy.

3. Explore Your New Environment

One of the best ways to combat homesickness is to fully immerse yourself in your new environment. Get out there and explore! The more you get to know your new city, the more comfortable you’ll feel.

Take time to wander the streets, visit local cafes, and discover the hidden gems your new country has to offer. Not only does this give you something exciting to do, but it also helps you become more familiar with your surroundings, making it easier to adjust.

Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to do things alone. Solo exploring can be incredibly empowering and can help you build confidence in your new environment.

4. Make New Friends

One of the most effective ways to combat loneliness and homesickness is by making new friends. Find people who are going through similar experiences — whether they’re fellow international students or locals eager to share their culture with you.

Join student organizations, attend social events, or simply strike up a conversation with your classmates. New friends can provide a sense of community and belonging, which is essential when you’re far from home.

Pro Tip: Don’t limit yourself to just other international students. Making friends with locals can give you a more authentic experience of your new country.

5. Bring a Piece of Home with You

Sometimes, all it takes is a little reminder of home to make you feel better. Whether it’s a photo of your family, your favorite pillow, or even a familiar snack, bringing a piece of home with you can provide comfort when you’re feeling down.

Surround yourself with things that make you feel happy and connected to your roots. It can be something as simple as wearing your favorite hoodie or listening to music from home.

Pro Tip: Create a “comfort corner” in your room with items that remind you of home. This can be your go-to space when you need a little pick-me-up.

6. Keep Busy with Activities

Idle minds tend to dwell on negative emotions, and homesickness can hit hardest when you’re not doing anything. So, keep yourself busy! Join clubs, volunteer, take up a new hobby, or even travel to nearby cities.

The more you fill your schedule with activities, the less time you’ll have to dwell on feelings of homesickness. Plus, staying active helps you meet new people and create new experiences, which can go a long way in making you feel more at home.

Pro Tip: Try something you’ve never done before — whether it’s learning a new language, taking a cooking class, or trying a local sport. It can be a great way to immerse yourself in the culture.

7. Practice Self-Care

Homesickness can take a toll on your emotional and physical well-being, so it’s important to take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. It sounds basic, but when you’re feeling down, self-care can sometimes go out the window.

Additionally, take time to relax and unwind. Whether it’s practicing mindfulness, journaling, or even watching your favorite TV show, self-care is key to keeping your mental health in check.

Pro Tip: Start a gratitude journal. Write down one thing each day that made you happy or that you’re thankful for. It can help shift your focus from what you’re missing to what you’re gaining.

8. Be Patient with Yourself

Last but certainly not least, be kind to yourself. Adjusting to a new country takes time, and it’s perfectly normal to struggle at first. Don’t expect to feel 100% comfortable right away, and don’t beat yourself up for feeling homesick.

Remember, everyone’s journey is different, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Celebrate the small victories — like finding your favorite coffee shop or navigating public transportation without getting lost.

Pro Tip: Don’t compare your experience to others. Everyone adjusts at their own pace, and there’s no “right” way to feel.

Conclusion

Studying abroad is a life-changing experience, but it’s also a challenging one. Homesickness is a natural part of the process, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of. The key is learning how to manage it in a healthy way so that it doesn’t hold you back from enjoying your time abroad.

With a little patience, some self-care, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone, you’ll find that homesickness fades over time. Before you know it, your new environment will start to feel like a second home.

So, take a deep breath, embrace the adventure, and remember — you’ve got this!