Homesickness: Moving Abroad

Hi everyone,

I am from Australia and I am moving to the UK next year for medicine (currently on a gap year). I am excited but I am actually quite nervous to move across the world. I am only 18, don't have much life experience, haven't been to uni before and I am very close with my family (especially my mum and brother). I feel very nervous about leaving them and quite frankly sad that I won't be able to enjoy the small things (watching TV together, eating dinner, going to football games etc). I know that in order to achieve my dream, I have to leave but right now, the thought of moving abroad leaves me with a pit in my stomach and nearly on the verge of tears. On the other hand, I am excited to see the world by myself and be independent but I will miss them terribly, family is very important to me. I was wondering if anyone has been in my position before, how did you cope moving abroad and do these feelings go away?

Thanks in advance <33

Reply 1

ArtsUniPlymouth

Official Rep

Hey there,

Congratulations on getting accepted for medicine and having the courage to move away from home! It's totally normal to feel nervous about this big change. Many students feel the same when leaving for university, including me when I moved across the county.

The good thing is that most students are in the same boat, figuring out how to live on their own and enjoying their newfound independence. Making friends can be really easy, especially during fresher weeks when you'll have the chance to meet people in your degree and across the whole university. Some universities even have international groups, so you can connect with students who have travelled a long way to pursue their goals.

Just remember that your feelings are normal and that universities have support available when you arrive. Also, your family is just a call away if you ever need them. You've got this!

Kate 🙂
Arts University Plymouth Rep
Aup.ac.uk
Talk to our students -
💻 Email us at [email protected]⁠
☎️ Call us on 01752 203402⁠
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Reply 2

University of Chester

Official Rep

Original post by Anonymous

Hi everyone,
I am from Australia and I am moving to the UK next year for medicine (currently on a gap year). I am excited but I am actually quite nervous to move across the world. I am only 18, don't have much life experience, haven't been to uni before and I am very close with my family (especially my mum and brother). I feel very nervous about leaving them and quite frankly sad that I won't be able to enjoy the small things (watching TV together, eating dinner, going to football games etc). I know that in order to achieve my dream, I have to leave but right now, the thought of moving abroad leaves me with a pit in my stomach and nearly on the verge of tears. On the other hand, I am excited to see the world by myself and be independent but I will miss them terribly, family is very important to me. I was wondering if anyone has been in my position before, how did you cope moving abroad and do these feelings go away?
Thanks in advance <33

Hi

Well done on receiving an offer and taking the leap to move abroad! It's a really brave thing to do and you should remember to be patient and kind to yourself as you go through the normal emotions linked with this big change!

Kate has provided some great tips and information above - I completely agree with trying to connect with the international student group at your university if possible, as these fellow students will be able to relate to your situation and know exactly what you're going through. That said, part of moving abroad is experiencing the culture of your new country and so making friends from the UK will help you to settle in to your new way of life. While they may not have moved from the other side of the world, they could still be from a very different part of the UK and therefore you can get to know your new town or city together and experience new things at the same time.

It's normal to miss your family, but since you're really close it sounds as though they are going to be a great support system for you - even despite the time difference. All it takes is a little bit of organising and commitment from both you and your family and you'll soon find a natural routine of keeping in touch.

I'm super excited for you - what an experience you're about to have! 😀

Best wishes,
Becky