Coping with homesickness and cultural adjustment as a university student

1. Stay connected: Stay connected with loved ones via video calls, messaging and social networking. Thanks to technological advancements, staying in touch with loved ones has never been easier. Set up frequent video or phone calls with relatives and friends back home. Share your experiences and don’t be afraid to voice your feelings. Their encouragement might be an effective remedy to homesickness.

• • Connect with local and international students. One of the most successful ways I dealt with homesickness was by immersing myself in the academic community. Volunteering for programs such as New Student Orientation allowed me to contribute to campus life while forming valuable friendships that would remain beyond my academic years.
  • Becoming a Peer Leader at UCW brought a sense of purpose and belonging. It helped me create a support network and feel more integrated into the campus atmosphere.

2. Create a home away from home:

• • Fill your living area with objects that offer comfort and memories of home. Transitioning to a new setting can be difficult, but changing your living area into a welcoming refuge can make a huge impact. When I arrived in Canada, I decorated my living room with mementos that had sentimental meaning and reminded me of home. Having family photographs, familiar aromas or beloved items around produced a pleasant environment that acted as a haven during periods of homesickness.
  • Establish routines for stability and familiarity. Routines were essential in making my living place feel like a second home. From a morning coffee ritual to late study sessions, having a feeling of constancy and familiarity offered a reassuring backdrop to my academic path. Creating this hideaway allowed me to refuel and confront the pressures of academic life with newfound tenacity.

3. Explore your surroundings: Get to know the neighbourhood, see surrounding attractions and find new favourite locations. To battle emotions of loneliness and isolation, I tried to see the fantastic views and attractions Vancouver offers. Whether immersed in nature at Deer Lake Park or the thrills at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, each excursion gave me a pleasant respite and a feeling of awe.
   Festivals like the Vancouver International Film Festival and concerts by the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra also provide a look into the city’s vibrant cultural landscape. These activities unite individuals from many backgrounds, establishing a sense of unity and shared enthusiasm for the arts.

1. Utilize campus resources: Attend orientation sessions and campus events to meet other students and foster a feeling of community. One of the most successful ways I dealt with homesickness was by immersing myself in the academic community. Volunteering for programs like New Student Orientation and KitsFest allowed me to contribute to campus life and helped me form valuable connections that have lasted beyond my academic years.
2. Balance academics and social life: Prioritize self-care and set aside time for both learning and socializing. Recognizing the significance of mental health, University Canada West provides various services to assist students in dealing with homesickness and navigating the barriers of cultural transition. Using these services can be an essential step in promoting emotional well-being.
   • Guard Me Student Support Program – 24/7 mental health support
     At University Canada West, I got tremendous assistance that helped me cope with homesickness. Guard Me Student Support Program, a specialized mental health and wellness program, provides students with confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week via phone, online chat or the TELUS Health Student Support app. This easily available assistance proved to be a critical lifeline during homesickness, providing a secure venue to vent concerns and seek expert advice.
   • Guard.me – comprehensive health insurance
     Guard.me, the health insurance provider for international students at University Canada West, offers coverage beyond physical health. Recognizing the importance of mental well-being, it provides comprehensive coverage that includes mental health care. This addition strengthens UCW’s commitment to meeting students’ holistic needs, ensuring they can access the tools required for a successful academic and personal journey.

1. Embrace cultural differences:

• • Understand the local culture, customs and traditions. Exploring the Museum of Anthropology, which reopens in June, at the University of British Columbia will help you learn about the Pacific Northwest’s many indigenous civilizations. Furthermore, consider visiting the Vancouver Art Gallery to admire historical and modern Canadian art.
  • Participate in intercultural events to appreciate diversity and broaden your perspective. Participating in colourful events like the Vancouver International Film Festival, which offers a worldwide cinematic experience, or the Vancouver Folk Music Festival, which celebrates many musical traditions, may be fantastic ways to mingle, meet new people and overcome homesickness. These events provide a dynamic and culturally rich environment, allowing you to engage with people who have similar interests while discovering the city’s many attractions.

2. Set realistic expectations:

• • Recognize that cultural adjustment is a gradual process with expected ups and downs. It is natural to have ups and downs throughout this process. For example, immersing oneself in Commercial Drive’s diverse food scene may feel exciting one day, but overwhelming the next.
  • Be patient with yourself and make room for personal growth and adaptability. Allow for personal development and adaptability, whether negotiating the busy streets of Chinatown or finding peace in the quiet of Stanley Park. Over time, these events will mould your perspective of Vancouver’s unique culture, making it seem like home.

While homesickness is a normal part of the university experience, it does not have to overwhelm the anticipation of this new chapter. By admitting your feelings, remaining connected and actively participating in your university and local community, you may overcome homesickness and have a rewarding and enjoyable university experience at University Canada West. Remember that you are not alone on this path; tools and support networks are available to help you flourish.

Written by UCW MBA Student Stella I.

Published on March 2, 2024