If you plan to travel during the holidays without your loved ones, but tend to get homesickness while you are away, this post will be beneficial for you. Today, I will be sharing 5 ways you can overcome homesickness (as a college student).
You are going abroad for longer than how much you normally would, and you are super excited but at the same time, you suffer from homesickness!
“How can I survive out there without my family and friends? Oh my gosh, I cannot do this! What if my friends and family forget about me? What if something happens? What if – “
Sounds familiar?
Exams week is around the corner for most polytechnic students in Singapore but that also meant that the holidays are coming.
So push on guys, you can do this!
Although I personally don’t experience homesickness when traveling without my family and friends, I still wished that I have the decent knowledge to help you guys out (even if it’s just a little!). Just in case, do not worry about having homesickness as is very common among the population.
But before we get started, for those of you who might be wondering..
WHAT IS HOMESICKNESS?
Homesickness has different meanings depending on the person or situation. In a general context, being homesick means you’re anxious about certain things because you’re separated from home. You’re surrounded by unfamiliar things that are out of the norm for you.
Homesickness can be a major problem for many reasons – people who are doing long-term traveling, for students studying overseas, working adults who have to be away from home due to work, going on a holiday etc.
SO, HOW CAN I OVERCOME OR PREVENT IT?
Want to know how you can overcome or prevent homesickness? Below are some tips:
1. CREATE A BUCKET LIST
Rather than spending time thinking about just how much you miss home and want to go back as soon as possible, try to get your mind off from it by creating a bucket list for wherever you’re going!
This will not only keep you busy for a long time, it will also allow you to experience life much more on the present. I mean, you get to create precious memories which the people you’re separated from and missing so much don’t get to experience!
Here are some general ideas to include on your bucket list:
WHERE TO EAT
Cafes, local supermarkets, famous restaurants in the area, shopping malls etc
PLACES TO VISIT
Tourists attractions, nature places, museums etc
THINGS TO DO
Go for a walk in a local park, take pictures, make a friend, shop for clothes etc
Or perhaps, take a look at this graphic that I made for (my local country) some inspiration:
2. STAY IN TOUCH (BUT NOT TOO MUCH!)
It’s okay to be in contact with your loved ones whether by phone call, social media or writing a letter (like what I did for my mom back on Mother’s Day recently!). However, it is important not to do it too much til you aren’t able to direct your attention away from it.
Sure, staying in touch might help you feel more secure and connected when you’re separated from them, but too much can, in turn, cause you to feel the distance even more!
Hence, ensure that you stay in touch (maybe for safety update purposes) but not too much! I’m sure you have many more things to do other than this.
Live in the present and live it to the fullest!
3. BRING A LITTLE PIECE OF HOME WITH YOU
When traveling, you can bring a little something that makes you feel connected to home.
This can be anything from a keychain and wallet to a photo and something small that is given to you by your loved ones. This will provide you with a sense of familiarity when you’re away from your usual comfort places.
For instance, I will always bring along a keychain with me which is related to my home when I travel overseas so that every time I look at it, I can feel much more at peace (it also adds an extra touch to wherever you decide to hang the keychain on!).
4. THINK POSITIVE
I know. It’s hard to think or even stay positive when you really miss someone so much and knowing that they’re not there with you really sucks. But, try to tell yourself that everything is temporary.
Say you’re a student going to study overseas for a few years, tell yourself that “I am going to experience so many new things and I’ll tell my family and friends all about it when I come home!”.
No one can make you truly happy unless you help yourself by allowing it to happen. Homesickness might be a common problem in many people, but do not let it control you.
5. MAKE NEW FRIENDS!
Making some local friends in the new area will help you reduce the oh-so-scary homesickness because you probably miss your friends back in your own country.
Try asking your friends for some help! I’m sure your new friends will certainly be happy to help you familiarize with your surroundings and keep you busy with tons of enjoyable activities!
And who knows, you might (and certainly will)ย be blessed with long-lasting friendships that last for a lifetime, which is especially great if you’re an international student who’s going to study abroad for a couple of years!
So, next time if you or someone you know have problems dealing with homesickness, try to incorporate these tips I’ve just mention and I’m sure it will help a ton!
Do you have homesickness? If so, what are some ways you overcome or prevent it? I would love to hear from you guys!
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