Studying abroad can be stressful for lots of reasons, from feeling anxious about living in a new country and city to experiencing homesickness.
Whether you’re already studying abroad or you’re about to embark on a new journey, there are things you can do to relieve stress and anxiety at university.
Here, we look at the challenges international students may face and what can be done to make studying abroad feel easier.
Before we explore the steps students can take to reduce stress and anxiety at university, let’s look at why being an international student can feel so difficult.
Why is being an international student hard?
Experiencing a new culture, language and climate can be a huge change, especially when you are also trying to settle into university life and your studies. This transition, combined with being far from home, can make anyone feel stressed or anxious.
An international student’s stress can present itself in different ways, but it often shows up as one or more of the following:
- Extreme homesickness
- Feelings of isolation or disorientation
- Anxious feelings
- Loneliness or sadness
- Loss of confidence
- Feeling tired or emotionally drained
How long does it take to adjust when studying abroad?
There is no set timeframe for adjusting to studying abroad. Some people adapt quickly, while for others it can take a few months. The main thing is putting support and routines in place to help the transition go as smoothly as possible.
How to cope with stress and anxiety as an international student
It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed in your first few days and weeks, so don’t be afraid to talk about how you’re feeling. Your university will understand that getting used to a new environment takes time and should have services in place to help you cope with homesickness, such as counselling and wellbeing support.
Here are four top tips for coping with stress, anxiety and homesickness at uni.
1. Get active
As well as asking your university for support, there are other things you can do to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and homesickness. It’s likely that you’ll miss home the most when you’re alone, so try to keep busy by joining a society or exploring your new city.
Staying active, for example by joining a sports society, is a great way to meet people and boost your mood. That’s one reason why Vita Student locations have gym facilities — to encourage you to exercise and feel good.
Regardless of where you’re studying, from Belfast to Barcelona, your university’s location will be steeped in history and full of culture. So get out and soak it all up — it’s an excellent way to stay busy and become more familiar with your surroundings. One of the best ways to do this is by bike, which is why we offer free bike hire at our accommodation.
2. Stay in touch with your roots
Just because you’ve left home does not mean you have to disconnect from it completely. Keeping in touch with friends and family through regular video calls is easier than ever.
You could also research your new city to see whether there are any links to your home country — you may be surprised by what you find.
Your university will be used to helping people just like you settle into new surroundings. Speak to them about what you’re missing, as they may be able to help you find shops that sell food from your home country so you are not left craving familiar comforts.
3. Get involved in uni life
Taking part in societies that interest you is a great way to meet like-minded people and keep yourself busy.
Events are held throughout Freshers’ Week to help you settle into uni life, so try to get involved. It’s worth remembering that everyone else is in a similar position. Your fellow students are also new to the experience and may never have visited the city before.
So, don’t be afraid to say hello and take part in the various activities and events organised during Freshers’ Week.
As we have mentioned, you’re more likely to start feeling homesick when you’re on your own or during quiet periods, so try to fill your free time with activities that you enjoy.
4. Remember this feeling isn’t forever
If you’re feeling homesick or anxious at university, it’s important to remember that these feelings won’t last forever. Overcoming the challenges you face early on can help you grow personally and make your experience of studying abroad even more rewarding.
What you can do when you’re feeling overwhelmed
While we have outlined things you can put in place to make the transition to living abroad easier, you may still feel down from time to time. It is common for students to feel stressed, anxious and homesick at university. However, it is important to recognise when you might need extra support.
To deal with homesickness while studying abroad, try the following:
- Be proactive — It’s okay to feel upset or sad sometimes, but try not to let those feelings take over. Be mindful of things that may make you feel worse, such as isolating yourself or dwelling on negative thoughts.
- Let it out — Talking about how you feel, whether with a friend, family member or in a journal, can help you process your emotions. You should also be able to access support services at your university, where dedicated counsellors and staff can help.
- Do something you enjoy — Go for a walk, cook your favourite meal, read, or listen to music in the park. Whatever helps you feel more like yourself, make time for it.
- Speak to loved ones — Feeling lonely, especially when you are far from home, can encourage negative thoughts. If you’re feeling low, call a friend or family member and let them know how you feel.
- Give yourself something to look forward to — Booking a trip home or planning to see a friend at their uni can lift your mood. Having something positive in the diary can make a big difference during difficult moments.
Above all, it’s important to remember that feelings of anxiety and homesickness are normal. With the tips we’ve outlined above, you now know some of the steps you can take if you’re feeling stressed or sad while studying abroad.
Having the right place to live can also ease the stress of moving. Vita Student understands the importance of having a home away from home, which is why all of our locations have 24/7 services in place to help you feel welcome and comfortable, and our staff are trained in mental health support.
