Finding Comfort in an Unfamiliar Place: Navigating Homesickness as an International Student

Feeling homesick and you don’t know how to cope with it ? Remember that these feelings are quite normal and a very understandable reaction to moving away from home.

Studying abroad is a dream for many students. You can start a brand-new chapter in your life filled with new beginnings and opportunities. It is a great way to step out of your comfort zone and explore hidden parts of yourself. However, leaving your home country and settling into a new environment might come with stress and worries. It is important to not let those feelings of homesickness hold you back from experiencing life to the fullest.

Read below five ways that can help you tackle these feelings so you can have the best experience.

1. Develop a routine

Often, when things are new, uneasy, or scary we tend to miss that part of life when we used to feel more secure and comfortable, however, creating a new routine will give you a sense of stability and support. For example, make it a habit to wake up early in the morning and go for a walk to your nearest park or hop in on your bike for a very Dutch experience.

2. Don’t be scared to approach others

As humans, we are built with a desire for belongingness. At this moment, you might be feeling lonely, especially after saying good-bye to your friends and family but it is in your own hands to turn things around. You have a great opportunity to discover new friendships. Don’t hesitate to say the first ’hello’ or open a conversation with a co-student, (remember homesickness is a common emotion that many people experience when they're away from home) this way and other people might as well be waiting for someone to approach them. You just have to be bold enough to make the first move.

3. Discover new places

Chances are you have never lived in this city before which means that you have so many places to discover. Look up cafes, theatres, parks, libraries, lakes, anything that you think will make you feel at home. It is the perfect opportunity to be a tourist. The Netherlands is a small country which also means that you can explore so many other cities within a very close distance.

4. Incorporate things that you loved to do at home into your new life

Rituals can help foster a sense of connectedness to your home even when you’re far away. For example, eating your favorite foods from home can bring a sense of comfort in your day and make you feel more content. You can also join similar activities. You used to be a member of a book club or part of a basketball team ? Do some research and see if you can find something similar. This will give you the chance to keep doing activities that you love and meet many people in the process. By incorporating elements of your past routine into your new one you can soothe the experience of homesickness.

5. Take part in activities together with your host

It is completely normal to feel a little bit nervous when you first move in with your host, it is more than possible that they feel the same way. You can propose a few activities which can enhance your bond and make you feel more ‘at home’. Cooking a meal together can be a great way to do so. Moreover, you can turn these activities into a tradition, for example, Thursday evenings can be the time when you both have a meal together and a meaningful conversation.

The bottom line is that you should give yourself the necessary time to adjust. Being a student can be tough, let alone being so far away from your base. Feeling homesick is a normal response to that. However, don’t forget that overcoming your fears is the perfect way to build resilience and trust within yourself.

We hope that this guide has provided you with some helpful tips on how you can navigate your life in the Netherlands as an international student. Remember, that finding a balance between embracing your new environment and maintaining connections to your roots is key.

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Did you find this article interesting, and you want to find more information ? Then take a look at some of our others blog posts, tips and tricks during your Homestay adventure, How does Hospi Housing work and why it's better than any other housing platform and our blog with tips on how to register as an international student in the Netherlands.