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Being at university is exciting, but it can also be challenging. You may also be away from home for the first time, so it is not unusual to be feeling stressed, anxious, a bit sick, or even homesick. Homesickness is very common, affecting around 70% of students, and is a normal response to change and being away from familiar people, places, and routines.

Homesickness can show up in different ways, including feeling sad or tearful, missing places, family or friends, finding it hard to settle into a routine, feeling anxious or overwhelmed, changes in sleep or eating patterns, or wanting to withdraw from others. You are not alone, and these feelings usually ease over time as you adjust.

The Overcoming homesickness booklet has helpful information, tips and resources. It explains what homesickness can feel like, why it happens, and offers practical strategies to help you cope and settle into your new environment:

Overcoming homesickness (PDF 3.9MB)

Some practical ways to ease homesickness include:

  • Staying connected with home in a balanced way
  • Establishing a daily or weekly routine
  • Bringing familiar items from home to personalise your space
  • Getting outside, exercising, and exploring the campus or the city
  • Joining clubs, activities, or volunteering to meet others
  • Talking to someone you trust about how you are feeling

Residential college leaders, and Locals (an organisation for first year students not in residential colleges) leaders can also help:

There are also a number of support services available:

If homesickness starts to feel overwhelming – for example, if you are struggling to function day-to-day, attend classes, or care for your wellbeing – you can reach out for support. You are not alone, and there are people ready to help you.

International students

The International Student Advisers in the International Office are always happy to talk to you about any problems you may have. International students may also experience culture shock as they adjust to a new country, language, food, climate, and way of life. This is normal, and support is available to help you through this transition. If advisers are unable to assist personally they will be able to recommend appropriate contacts and liaise with them on your behalf.

Tel +64 3 479 8344
Email international-support@otago.ac.nz

International student advisers

Keywords: missing, wellbeing, culture, shock, homesick