Just moved to Australia and feeling a bit homesick? It’s normal to miss the comforts of home - your family, friends, favourite foods or even the everyday sounds of your neighbourhood.
How to deal with homesickness
A recent study found that 80% of international students experience homesickness at some point, longing for the familiarity of what they’ve left to pursue the dream of studying overseas. If this is you, you’re not alone, and your new friends might be feeling the same way.
Homesickness can hit in waves - early on, during special occasions, or even when you don’t expect it. The good news? With the right mindset and strategies, you can move through it and fully enjoy your time in Australia. Let’s dive into how to recognise homesickness, deal with the feelings and avoid making it harder.
Recognising homesickness symptoms
What does homesickness look like? It’s more than just missing home - it can show up in both emotional and physical ways.
Emotional signs
You might feel sad, lonely, anxious, irritable or overwhelmed. You might find you’re losing interest in things you used to enjoy, like your favourite hobbies or hanging out with friends.
Physical signs
Trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, or even feeling run down and tired can be linked to homesickness.
Behavioural Changes
If you’re experiencing homesickness, you might start avoiding social situations or procrastinating on your responsibilities.
Recognising these symptoms early can help you start to tackle them head-on.
Ways to deal with homesickness
Homesickness doesn’t have to last forever. Here are a few ways to ease your feelings and make the transition to Aussie life easier:
Celebrate your traditions
Mark holidays or festivals from your home country on your calendar. Invite your new friends over for dinner and cook some of your favourite traditional dishes.
Stay connected
Schedule regular video calls with family and friends. Knowing when your next chat is coming up can make a big difference. Staying in contact making you feel worse? Don’t be afraid to pull back a bit if you have to - your loved ones will understand.
Build a healthy daily routine
A routine can help create stability when everything feels new. Eating healthy food, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep can give you the energy to enjoy your time in Australia.
Have a good cry
It’s okay to cry! Accepting how you feel and letting your emotions out can help you to move through it more quickly.
Explore your new environment
Dive into Australia’s vibrant culture. Attend local events or festivals, visit markets, galleries, or museums, try new foods, or join university social or sports clubs to help you connect with your new surroundings and meet new people.
Avoid making your homesickness worse
Some habits can make homesickness feel even harder, so it’s good to know what to avoid. It’s tempting to isolate yourself, but spending all your time alone in your room can make you feel even lonelier. Take advantage of your education provider’s events and clubs and try to stay social.
Skipping meals, avoiding exercise, or staying up super late every night can leave you feeling worse, so it’s important to take care of your mind and body.
Don’t give up the hobbies or activities you enjoy - they’re great for relieving stress and keeping you happy. And while it’s comforting to look at photos or social media from home, doing it too much can make it harder to focus on all the exciting things happening right in front of you!
Q&A: Common homesickness questions
It’s different for everyone. For many, it settles down after the first few weeks, but it can pop up from time to time, so don’t be worried if you feel those emotions again now and then.
Yes! It’s common, especially during holidays or special occasions. Be kind to yourself - settling into a new country takes time.
Be honest. Let them know it’s not just missing home but adjusting to a completely new life! Chat with them about your loved ones, your culture, and your traditions.
That’s completely normal and happens to plenty of people. Reach out to a trusted friend, your university counsellor, or a local mental health service for extra support.
Be kind to yourself
Leaving your comfort zone is brave! Moving abroad will build resilience and help you grow in many ways. It’s okay to miss home, that just means you have a lot of love and memories to hold onto. Embrace this new adventure in Australia - you’re building something amazing for your future.