Blog: Dealing with homesickness as an international student
Written by Student Content Shaper Fathima Shefi
Dealing with homesickness as an international student is a shared experience that many of us face, especially when starting a new academic journey. Whether you’re an international student or from the UK, if you’re missing people or places, there are things that can help. Here are a few things that I tried which helped with my homesickness, and hopefully, they help you too so you can fully enjoy your student experience.
Embrace your new home
At least for the next few years, Birmingham is going to be your new home, so why not explore your surroundings? See what campus and the vibrant city of Birmingham has to offer. Whether you're into movies or arcade games, there's something in the city for everyone. Dedicate some time to discover your surroundings and uncover what makes Birmingham special to you. Our ‘Travelling in Birmingham’ page on the Welcome website is full of top tips on getting around campus and the city.
Exploring the UK
One incredible advantage of Birmingham is its central location. The UK is at your fingertips, with places like London, Manchester, and Oxford just a stone's throw away via rail, coach or car. From historical attractions to some of the best museums and galleries, there’s so much to do and see. These trips will not only help you curb homesickness but also offer a chance to create lasting memories.
Enjoy familiar flavours
One of the best ways to handle homesickness, especially as an international student, is to enjoy food from back home. If you want to recreate some of your favourite dishes, then you’re in luck. Birmingham is a melting pot of cultures where you can find many international supermarkets. Major chain stores also have sections where you can find your favourite snacks and ingredients from your home country. If cooking isn’t your forte, there are many restaurants around Birmingham, especially in Selly Oak, catering to a wide variety of mouthwatering cuisines.
Meet new people
Another way to deal with homesickness is to meet new people! Campus life provides endless opportunities to meet people from all over the world. Join societies, make friends with classmates, or even get a part-time job. These connections will not only make you feel more connected to your new surroundings but also introduce you to diverse perspectives and experiences.
Stay connected with your friends and family
The advancement of technology has only made keeping in touch with our loved ones back home even easier than before. Make it a point to regularly share your experiences with friends and family back home. Whether that’s through video calls, messages, or sharing pictures, these interactions can bridge the distance and keep you emotionally connected.
Join societies
As mentioned, joining a society is a great way to meet people, and to keep busy. Our university is home to more than 300 societies so there’s something here for everyone, no matter what your interests are. Joining the KCover society helped me meet and make friends who enjoyed the same things as me and brought back my love for dancing. Find one that appeals to you on the Guild of Students website.
Attend events
One thing I love about UoB is that there’s always something going on for students. It’s a lively and active atmosphere that makes your campus life even more enriched. One of the best tips I can give is to make sure that you attend the events put on by the University and the Guild of Students. These events keep you busy, allow you to do something creative and productive, and can also help you make new friends or get to know people better.
Seek University support
The University cares about your wellbeing. If you ever find yourself needing someone to talk to about how you’re feeling, don't hesitate to reach out to one of the many services on the Time to Talk? page. Remember, you're never alone in this journey, and the University is here to lend a caring ear whenever you need it.
University life can be an emotional rollercoaster: full of ups and downs, challenges, and exhilarating moments! But if you take the time to settle in, do the things you love and build meaningful relationships, it’s likely to turn out to be an extremely rewarding experience. I hope these small tips help you to get your homesickness under control the way they helped me and make your days at UoB even more exciting!
Want to share what it’s like being a student at UoB? We're looking creative first-year undergraduates, postgraduates, mature students, and distance learners to become Student Content Shapers for the next academic year. Once you’ve completed your Online Registration, apply through our online form before Monday 25 September 2023 (16:00 BST).