The journey of an international student is one only that can be described as a “rollercoaster of emotions.” The excitement of new friends, new culture, and starting somewhere new, is parallel to the fear of being alone and the nervousness of meeting new people; all of this is completely normal when living away from your home, and your country.
The feeling of being homesick emerges at the most inconvenient times, but certain seasons can exaggerate the feeling of missing home more than others. As the holiday season approaches, life as an international student can be lonelier and isolating as ever.
Regardless of where you’re from, your religious beliefs, and traditions, the journey of studying away from home can be difficult. This time of the year can be especially difficult as someone living away from home. Amidst it all, it is crucial to look after yourself and make sure you take all the precautions to help settle into your new journey.
Here are ‘6 Tips for Battling Homesickness’
Creating a Balanced Routine
The advantages of having a balanced and maintained routine are crucial to preserving your own well-being and help significantly with being away from home. The benefits of creating a balanced routine range from reduced stress to better productivity and help build positive habits.
Create Small and Reasonable Goals
Creating small goals can help visualize your successes while being away from home, even making the first move away from your comforts is a success in itself. Small goals can include things such as going to class that day, getting a section of your assignment done, waking up in the morning, and getting through said month or week. Although these example goals may seem small, they will help you get through your time away.
Socialize Yourself
The most beneficial way to push through the difficult times of homesickness is to surround yourself with people, keep busy, and distract yourself from the feeling of missing home. The simple precedence of surrounding yourself with friends, colleagues, and peers can be extremely positive for your mental health.
Get Involved and Keep Busy
There are many ways to get involved at Southern New Hampshire University. The university prides itself on student involvement, with many clubs and organizations you can join. These clubs and organizations range from academics and education to multicultural and media clubs, giving you a wide range of options to pick from.
Leave your Room!
It’s important not to isolate yourself and although it can be daunting, exploring a new place and meeting new people can be exciting. While allowing yourself some “self-care” time is paramount, even just getting out for a walk can help clear your mind and allow you to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
Talk to Someone When Things Get Difficult
The feeling of missing your home and the people there can sometimes be overwhelming and make us lose sight of the positives. When this occurs, talking to someone about how you feel can be the best way to put things in perspective. This can be talking to a friend, a trusted advisor, or family. However, there are a multitude of resources at arm’s length to support you through that time here at SNHU. The Wellness Center is open to all students who are in need of support, they offer thirty-minute to one-hour counseling sessions for anyone.
The Wellness Center can be contacted via email or phone; email them at wellness@snhu.edu or call them at +1 (603) 645 9679. The Wellness Center is also open to drop-ins to offer support; their opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm, on Tuesdays they are open until 6:30pm.
