Can I do anything to handle homesickness when I move abroad to study from India?
Handle homesickness by attending orientation week, building a circle of friends, using technology to stay in touch with family, and joining clubs and sports. The source also advises that parents not stay long with you at the destination, so you can mix with other students and settle in early.
A new city, culture and climate can bring feelings of loneliness, especially in the first month on campus. The good news is that a few simple habits make the transition easier.
Five Practical Tips
| Tip | What to do |
|---|---|
| Do not miss orientation week | Learn the campus and key contact points before classes begin; universities often hold it a week or 10 days before the session |
| Avoid long parental stays | Parents staying for a week or 10 days can mean you miss early bonding on campus |
| Get a circle of friends | Many other international students have also left their families behind |
| Use technology | Call and message family and friends cheaply and in real time |
| Join clubs | Take part in clubs and sports to meet people |
Helpful Mindset
- The first month in a new campus can be the most difficult, because you are finding your way around.
- Mingling with new people and exploring the city and campus helps with small problems.
- Many universities run mentoring programs, where a mentor, preferably of the same nationality, helps new students.
- It is better to be homesick in a group than alone.
My Advice
Feeling homesick is normal and does not mean you made the wrong choice. Keep a regular call schedule with family, but say yes to campus events in the first weeks. If the feeling stays heavy, speak to your university support services. Orientation and mentoring options vary by university, so check yours.
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