Are you still feeling a bit homesick? If the answer is yes, you might benefit from reading the following blog.
Despite being deep into the first semester, some of you still might find it hard to ‘recover’ from the anticipated separation from home. It is important to understand that what you’re going through is totally normal. Almost everyone has experienced a feeling of homesickness at one point or another. Having had some prior international experience, I’ve made the list of the most important things you should try to implement in your daily routine in order to get over homesickness.
1. Keep yourself busy!
What might seem to be common sense to some doesn’t come that naturally to others. Nonetheless, it is of huge importance to keep yourself busy and pro-active throughout the day. Not only will you have less time to think about people and things you miss back home but you also could excel at your studies! There are numerous ways to keep yourself busy, especially here in Tartu. You could go to the gym, join a research group, get an internship, learn a new language, spend a couple of extra hours studying at the library or just go out with friends!
2. Stay in touch with your family and friends back home
Whilst trying to have your day as thoroughly planned out as possible, it is important to stay in touch with friends and family back home. It will make you feel more connected, less homesick and it feels good to learn that they haven’t already forgotten about you. Keep a few pictures of your friends and family in your bedroom. A single glance at them is all that you might need to feel better. However, try not to stay ‘too’ connected as this might prolong the ‘being away from home’ feeling.
3. Find someone you can talk to in your native language
Using English as your day to day language can be quite tiring and nerve-wracking at times (unless, of course, you’re a native English speaker). Finding someone to talk in your mother tongue will have a soothing effect on you. It will also make you feel closer to home and it is a great way of making new friends.
4. Socialize
Last but not least, you really want to meet new people while you’re here. Hanging out with them will set your thoughts away from home and it is super cool to have friends from all over the world. Attend different events around the city and get a chance to know some locals. Who knows, you might even befriend an Estonian?!
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If none of the above mentioned pieces of advice seems to work for you just remember to keep on trying and, like with everything in life, give it some time.
‘An arrow can only be shot by pulling it backward’. Thus, even if missing home makes you feel down know that the best is yet to come.
Source for preview picture: http://lucysmilesaway.com/2014/04/10/feeling-homesick/
