Whether you’re an international student, a third-culture kid, or just someone who moved across borders, homesickness is especially bad. Of course it’s hard for all students leaving home for the first time, but when you can’t pop home for a weekend to get some comfort, it’s that tiny bit more upsetting.
I’ve lived in the UK for seven years, and both my parents are a measly 2 hour drive if I need them, but sometimes I’m distinctly aware of how different England is from the good ol’ USA.
If you’re like me, randomly missing home with no easy way home, try these lil tips out:
1. Don’t bottle it up from your friends.
Last November, a particularly strong kick of homesickness hit me out of the blue. Bad timing – there were deadlines, stresses with flatmates, and above all, it was the day we had finally gotten the time to go see Moana. I didn’t want to ruin it for everyone with a low mood!
But when my friend met me outside the theatre and saw how down I was, he managed to get it out of me that I was simply sad and missing home. Having told him that, he showered me in extra love and support – more than usual!
You may not have the familial comfort of your home town, but it doesn’t mean you don’t have family right by your side. Tell your friends you’re feeling a bit shit, and let them help you out.
2. Call your parents.
An easy fix, really, even if it doesn’t solve everything. Whether it’s to have them tell you stories of home, see if they have any special advice, or just to have a lil cry and let them know you’re sad, parents tend to know what’s up. At some point, they’ve almost definitely been missing you too.
If parents aren’t around, call a friend from home, an aunt, a cousin, or shoot a message to another international friend you’ve made at uni. Put those global connections to work – it’ll make you realise that love isn’t confined to something as silly as borders or timezones.
3. Food is magical.
This is the literal definition of comfort food – food that makes you feel better. Make a dish your mom and dad used to cook, or just something authentic to your home country, and you’ll feel better. It may not be perfect, or even really that authentic, but I can guarantee it’ll improve your mood at least a little bit.
The UK is a wonderfully global place, and Sainsbury’s is right in line with it. Pop down to the supermarket and see what they’ve got on hand to make a special hometown style meal!
4. Celebrate like you’re at home.
It’s autumn, and the lead up to Christmas is the time of year that makes homesickness hit hardest for me. I’m so aware of how much I loved Midwest America from September to December, and how different England really is. Now that Thanksgiving is right around the corner, it’s even tougher.
So, since I can’t bring myself to a proper Thanksgiving (or any other holiday), I’m gonna bring it to me!
Host a party, decorate your house, drag all your new friends out to share in the traditions you miss the most. Maybe you don’t live right in the epicentre of the celebration, but it’s the perfect time to make your own traditions. Who knows: you may even find something new that makes you happier.
5. Make sure you’re taking care of yourself.
When you’re feeling upset, it can be hard to do things that will make you feel better, even if you know you should be doing them. Grab some water, make sure you’re eating something, and give yourself frequent breaks. It may feel like you’re sitting in self-pity if you just curl up under a duvet and let yourself be sad, but if that’s your overwhelming desire, you probably need it.
So curl the duvet a lil tighter round yourself, put on some fun music, and let yourself be sad in peace. Times like these are pretty awful, but they’re not forever, and you’ll be fine.