Homesickness is an all-too-common feeling. You never really know when it will hit you during your time abroad. When it does, I want you to remember that it is completely valid, and you are not alone.
When I studied abroad in London, I was confident that I would not feel homesick. London felt similar enough to New York City, and New York City is home. I thought I could easily make London my second home. That was wishful thinking!
During the first few weeks, I felt great. I was starry-eyed with the city and everything it had to offer. I spent my days exploring new places, watching West End shows every week, and hanging out with new friends in my flat at night. Life felt fantastic. But once the semester picked up, I started feeling alone and stressed. I missed the comfort of my friends and family, and they were across the pond. I could not just jump on a plane to see them.
Here are some ways I dealt with homesickness abroad:
- Call your friends and family
Calling is not the same as being together in person, but seeing your loved ones on a screen and hearing their voices can make you feel less lonely. It is a good way to catch up on things you might have missed and to tell them about your life abroad. Photos are nice, but sharing the stories behind them makes everything feel more real. You might want to call home all the time.
That is normal, but try not to rely on it too much. You are experiencing an amazing life abroad, and an important part of studying abroad is giving yourself space to experience it far from loved ones. Find a balance that feels healthy.
- Create small routines
When everything around you feels new, a simple routine can help you feel grounded in a foreign environment. At least that is how it felt for me. Every Monday, I would sit in Waterstones after my first class, get the same meal deal from Sainsbury’s in Brunswick Centre before my afternoon class, and sit in Brunswick Gardens (or explore a new location in UCL). These small habits made a foreign place feel more familiar. - Make new connections
Homesickness often comes from missing the people who know you best. While no one replaces them, you can still build meaningful friendships abroad. During your first week at UCL, your accommodation will host community events every night to meet other students. These community events range from bake nights to pottery nights. I remember attending a British quiz night where my team won! Mind you, we were a team of exchange students who didn’t know much about Great Britain. I also met my closest friends through these events, so I highly recommend you attend them! The more you open yourself to the people around you, the less isolated you will feel. - Give yourself room to feel everything
Homesickness does not mean you are ungrateful for the experience or doing something wrong abroad. What this means you care about the people and places that shaped you from back home. Some days will feel exciting. Others will feel heavy. All feelings are part of the experience. I remember feeling sick of London to the point that I just stayed in my flat for two days straight. I didn't know it was possible to feel sick of London, but I recognized that I felt overwhelmed and homesick. Be patient and gentle with yourself throughout this process. - Keep exploring new things
When you feel alone, it is easy to lock yourself up in your room. Sometimes the best thing you can do is step outside, even for a short walk or a quick trip to Blank Street. There are a lot of things to try in London, and you will never feel bored at all! You can visit all the museums London has to offer, explore a new neighborhood and be transported to a different world, or simply sit in a park and people-watch. The more you engage with your surroundings, the more connected you will feel to your temporary home.
Homesickness is a common feeling that most students experience when they leave home for a period of time. This does not mean you made the wrong choice or that you are not strong enough to handle a new life abroad. It only means you are human. With time, small routines, and new friendships, the unfamiliar starts to feel a little more comfortable. Without noticing it, you might find yourself realizing that you have built a version of home right where you are.
