Moving abroad for university can be exciting. You get to experience a new country, meet people from different cultures, and become more independent.
But after the excitement fades, you may start missing home.
You may miss your parents, friends, Indian food, festivals, your bedroom, or simply hearing familiar voices around you.
This feeling is called homesickness, and it is completely normal.
For Indian students studying abroad, understanding homesickness-how to deal with it can make adjusting to a new country much easier.
What Is Homesickness?
Homesickness is the feeling of sadness, loneliness, or discomfort you may experience when you are away from your familiar home environment.
You may:
- Think about home constantly
- Feel lonely even around other people
- Miss family and friends
- Crave familiar Indian food
- Feel uncomfortable in your new surroundings
- Lose motivation or interest in activities
- Feel emotional after speaking with family
Remember: homesickness does not mean you made the wrong decision about studying abroad.
It usually means you are adjusting to a major change.
Why Do Indian Students Feel Homesick?
Being Away From Family
Many Indian students are used to having family nearby. Moving to another country means suddenly handling everyday problems on your own.
Culture Shock
Everything may feel different, from food and weather to teaching methods and social habits. This can make you feel uncomfortable at first.
Missing Indian Food
Food is closely connected to memories and emotions. You might suddenly start craving dal, roti, biryani, dosa, chai, or your favourite homemade meal.
Missing Festivals and Family Events
Diwali, Holi, Durga Puja, Eid, birthdays, weddings, and family celebrations can make homesickness stronger.
Homesickness-How to Deal With It
- Stay Connected With Your Family
Regular conversations can make you feel supported.
Instead of calling several times every day, set a regular time for video calls. For example, you could have a family call every Sunday evening.
This lets you stay connected while also giving yourself time to build your new life.
- Build a Routine
A daily routine can make an unfamiliar place feel more comfortable.
Try to create regular times for:
- Classes
- Meals
- Studying
- Exercise
- Social activities
- Family calls
- Sleep
A simple routine gives your day structure and helps you settle into university life.
- Make New Friends
One of the best ways to manage homesickness is to avoid spending too much time alone.
Start small. Talk to someone before class, join a university club, attend student events, or have lunch with your classmates.
Connecting with other Indian students can also help. Indian student societies can give you a sense of familiarity while you adjust to your new surroundings.
At the same time, try to make friends from different countries. That is one of the biggest benefits of studying abroad.
- Bring a Little Bit of India With You
You don’t have to leave your culture behind.
Keep family photos, listen to your favourite Indian music, make familiar meals, or decorate your room with small things that remind you of home.
You can also celebrate festivals with your friends.
Even a small Diwali dinner can make a new place feel more familiar.
- Learn to Cook Comfort Food
You don’t need to become an expert cook.
Learn a few simple meals you enjoy, such as dal and rice, poha, khichdi, roti and sabzi, or a favourite regional dish.
Cooking familiar food can be comforting and is also a great way to connect with new friends.
- Explore Your New City
Staying in your room and thinking about home can make homesickness stronger.
Start exploring your new surroundings.
Try visiting:
Your neighbourhood → A local café → A park → A museum → A new part of the city
As your surroundings become more familiar, your new country may start feeling less foreign.
- Give Yourself Time
You may expect yourself to adjust immediately after arriving.
Don’t.
Some students feel comfortable within weeks, while others take several months. Homesickness can also return during exams, holidays, festivals, or stressful periods.
There is no fixed timeline.
An Illustrative Adjustment Curve
First few weeks ██████████
1–2 months ████████
3–4 months █████
6+ months ███
This is only an example. Every student’s experience is different.
- Ask for Help
Sometimes homesickness can become overwhelming.
If you are struggling for a long period or finding it difficult to enjoy daily life, speak to someone at your university.
Many universities offer:
- Counselling services
- International student support
- Student wellbeing teams
- Academic advisors
- Student communities
Asking for help is not a weakness. It is part of learning how to manage life independently.
A Simple Homesickness Checklist
|
When you feel… |
Try this |
|
Lonely |
Talk to a friend |
|
Homesick |
Call your family |
|
Bored |
Explore your city |
|
Hungry for Indian food |
Cook a familiar meal |
|
Stressed |
Exercise or take a walk |
|
Disconnected |
Join a student activity |
|
Overwhelmed for a long time |
Contact university support |
Final Thoughts
Studying abroad doesn’t mean you have to stop missing home.
You can miss your family while enjoying university life. You can miss Indian food while discovering new cuisines. You can miss your old friends while making new ones.
The goal isn’t to forget home.
The goal is to build a new home while keeping the important parts of your old one with you.
So, the next time you feel homesick, remember:
Missing home doesn’t mean you made the wrong choice. It means home matters to you—and that’s okay.