Blog
Last Updated Wednesday 6th August, 2025
What is homesickness?
Homesickness is the feeling of missing home. It can have emotional, physical and mental effects, such as:
- Loneliness
- Anxiety
- Sadness
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling unwell and rundown
The 2025 StudyAdelaide Ambassadors shared their top tips that have helped them overcome and manage the feelings of homesickness. They hope these tips can help other international students who may be feeling the same.
One of our Student Ambassadors shared, “Homesickness is normal, but it’s also temporary. Be patient with yourself, believe in your journey, and know that brighter days are always ahead. Homesickness doesn’t mean you’re not adjusting well. It just means you care about where you come from, and that’s something special.”
The 2025 StudyAdelaide Student Ambassadors share their top tips:
1. Keep in contact with loved ones back home
- “Stay connected with home, but don’t live in two time zones. Calling family and friends almost every day will help you feel grounded and supported, but it’s important to create a routine in your current environment.”
- “Being far from home physically shouldn't stop you from staying close and still being present in their lives, but the key is being consistent. Schedule a regular catch-up, such as a weekly call or a daily photo update. Doing this gives you something to look forward to while you're here in Adelaide!”
- “It’s easy to get swept up by studying and feel isolated; however, regular chats with loved ones can provide comfort and be a reminder that you are still supported, even from afar."
2. Cook and eat food from your home country
- “Learn how to cook: Good food can always uplift the mood. We will never find that exact taste of our countries' food abroad. Then why not learn to be your own chef?”
- “Finding little pieces of home wherever you go, by cooking a meal from home or finding a local grocery store that sells familiar snacks, those small acts make a big difference!"
3. Build routine
- “Building a new routine helps to reduce feelings of uncertainty and gives you something to look forward to”.
- "Find comfort in building small routines or go-to spots, like the same coffee shop, the same park bench. Familiarity builds slowly, but it makes everything feel a little more yours."
4. Get involved and connect with the community
- “Involve yourself with the community even when you don’t feel like it. Getting out, even just for a walk with a friend or joining a club or volunteering, can really help shift your mindset. The more I engaged with people around me, the more connected and supported I felt.”
- “One thing that helped me embrace studying and living here in Adelaide is finding a community where I can belong. There are lots of opportunities to be involved, from student clubs, cultural groups, and even religious communities; there's always a place for you to connect, to belong, and to thrive.”
- “South Australia is full of amazing things to see and do. Join meetups and tours, because new people and new experiences can lift you out of the homesick blues.”
- “Join Facebook groups for sports or hobbies you enjoy, like running or hiking. It’s a fun way to meet local students and get involved in the community.”
- “Building friendships and surrounding yourself with people will not only help you adjust more quickly but also create a supportive environment away from home!”
5. Don’t be afraid to ask for help
- “If you’re feeling overwhelmed, book a free counselling session at your university or talk to a trusted friend where you can share how you’re feeling. It’s okay to ask for help, be kind to yourself!”
- Be honest with your emotions. It’s okay to cry and allow yourself to feel. Try to process your feelings, whether that's through journaling or listening to podcasts about emotional wellbeing.”
- “Try not to keep your feelings bottled up. Instead, go out and connect with others. It can be challenging to take the first step and start a conversation with someone new, but making that effort, no matter how awkward it may feel at first, can significantly ease your transition.”
6. Decorate your space with items from home
- “It seems like such a minor thing, but decorating your room and making it yours helps, especially by adding items that carry pieces of home will create a sense of comfort and belonging.”
7. Explore things that connect you back to your culture
- “I always bring with me a part of my home country wherever I go, such as sharing my culture with other international students. The more you live and share your culture, the better you're integrated in this new journey.”
- “Listen to music and songs that connect you to your home country and/or native language.
- "Make friends from your own country, a group of friends with the same language, culture, and even cuisine can give you the best emotional support whenever you're homesick.”
8. Read your favourite book
- "Reading is another way of giving yourself some time to get used to the new environment. Your favourite book/ author is your favourite company at any place."
9. Give it time
- "With each new experience, you’ll grow more confident and resilient. Eventually, the homesickness will fade as you begin to build a life in your new surroundings."
10. Join StudyAdelaide Events
- "Don’t miss the amazing programs organised by StudyAdelaide. That’s where I met some of the most supportive and kind people, from all over the world, just like me. You’ll learn a lot from them, and they’ll learn from you, too.
- “StudyAdelaide events help you to build connections with the student ambassadors and meet other international students. It’s a great way to make friends, learn more about Adelaide, and feel more at home."