Homesickness: Staying Connected with Family and Friends from Afar

Feeling homesick is more common than most people admit. That sudden wave of loneliness or nostalgia that hits when you move to a new city, start college, or share a home with strangers is called homesickness, an emotional discomfort that comes from being away from familiar people and places. Whether you’re a student studying abroad, a professional relocating for work, or someone exploring a new chapter of life, the longing for home is completely natural.

But what makes staying connected with family and friends so important when you’re far away? Can a few video calls or text messages really replace shared laughter at the dinner table or late-night talks with your best friend? And how can you overcome homesickness when the distance feels too wide to bridge? These are questions many people silently face while adjusting to new environments.

At Platuni, we understand that shared living is not just about finding the right roommate, it’s about feeling connected, supported, and emotionally grounded wherever you are. In this guide, we’ll show you practical ways to manage homesickness, build meaningful virtual bonds, and keep staying connected with family and friends from afar. With the right mindset and the right tools, you can make any place feel a little more like home.

Also Read: How to Make the Most of Your Trip

Common Triggers of Homesickness

#1. Breaking Routine

One of the most common triggers of homesickness is a sudden change in routine. Moving to a new country or city means saying goodbye to familiar comforts, your favorite coffee spot, your regular commute, or the rhythm of your everyday life. When these routines disappear, it’s easy to feel unsettled and emotionally disconnected. During this transition, staying connected with family and friends can provide the emotional stability you need. At Platuni, we help individuals in shared living spaces build meaningful bonds that ease this sense of disconnection and make new environments feel more like home.

#2. Struggling with Cultural Differences

Cultural differences can make adapting to a new home more challenging. The values, customs, and even humor you grew up with may not easily translate to your new surroundings, and that can deepen your homesickness. Instead of excitement, you might feel isolated or misunderstood. Building new social connections and staying connected with friends back home can help you balance both worlds. Through Platuni’s co-living community tools, you can connect with like-minded roommates and find a sense of belonging, even in a completely new culture.

Also Read: How I Adapted to Life in Canada as an International Student

#3. Difficulty Adjusting to Change

Change can be difficult, especially for those who thrive on consistency. People who find it hard to adapt or cling tightly to their old habits are more likely to experience homesickness. The key to overcoming this challenge is embracing new experiences and keeping open lines of communication with your loved ones. Staying connected with family through regular chats or shared updates can remind you that distance doesn’t have to mean disconnection. Platforms like Platuni make it easier to maintain both old and new relationships, helping you adjust emotionally and socially.

#4. Feeling Like You Don’t Belong

Even after years in a new country, many expats still wrestle with the feeling that they don’t fully belong. Research shows that homesickness can persist long after relocation, especially among adults in their 30s who start families abroad. You might feel torn between your home country and your new one, and even wonder where your children fit in. In moments like this, staying connected with family and friends becomes your emotional anchor. With Platuni’s shared living and community features, you can find comfort, create new connections, and rediscover a sense of belonging wherever life takes you.

Also Read: How Frequent Travel Can Enhance Your Networking Opportunities

Overcoming Homesickness: Staying Connected with Family and Friends

Homesickness can manifest in various ways, from insomnia and irritability to loneliness, trouble concentrating, or even depression in extreme cases. For students, these feelings can negatively affect academic performance and personal well-being if left unaddressed.

Staying connected with family can significantly help in curbing homesickness and easing the transition to life abroad. Regular contact with loved ones provides emotional support and a sense of normalcy, helping you feel less isolated. Here’s why staying connected is so effective:

#1. Emotional support:

Reaching out to family when you’re feeling lonely or overwhelmed offers a much-needed emotional boost. Their encouragement can lift your spirits and help ease the loneliness that comes with being far from home.

#2. Sense of belonging:

Staying in touch with family keeps you connected to your roots and offers a sense of continuity. It reminds you where you come from, which can help reduce feelings of being an outsider in your new surroundings.

#3. Familiar comfort:

Hearing familiar voices and sharing news from home brings a sense of normalcy. This familiarity can be incredibly comforting when you’re adjusting to a new culture and routine.

#4. Reducing anxiety:

Regular communication with family can also help keep anxiety in check. Knowing that they’re there for support, advice, or just a chat can make adapting to a new environment less stressful.

While it’s important to stay connected with family, it’s equally essential to strike a balance. Focusing too much on home can prevent you from fully engaging with your new surroundings and making the most of your experience. Here are some additional tips to help you overcome homesickness and embrace your new environment:

Other Ways to Overcome Homesickness and Engage with Your New Environment

#1. Join international student communities:

Find support networks for international students. Platuni not only offers accommodations but also provides an inclusive community of people with shared values and experiences.

#2. Participate in campus activities:

Getting involved in campus events is a great way to meet new people and immerse yourself in your new environment. Don’t isolate yourself—be proactive in creating new friendships.

#3. Stay active:

Physical activity can help lift your mood. Go for walks, exercise, or participate in sports. Staying active keeps you healthy and helps take your mind off home. Avoid relying on alcohol or other substances as a distraction from homesickness.

Conclusion:

Homesickness is a natural part of moving abroad, but it doesn’t have to overshadow your experience. Staying connected with family and friends can provide the emotional support you need, but it’s also important to embrace your new surroundings and build new routines. By staying active, getting involved, and keeping an open mind, you’ll be able to overcome homesickness and make the most of your time in a new country.

Also Read: Best Apps to Find International Student Apartments in Montreal

Author’s bio

Anita has a bachelor's degree in Science laboratory technology (Biochemistry). With her passion for adding value wherever she finds herself, she utilizes her research and writing skills to create educational contents for blogs. When she’s not writing, she’s either watching educational videos or trying to learn a new language.

Frequently Asked Questions About Homesickness and Staying Connected Abroad

What is homesickness and why does it happen?

Homesickness is the emotional discomfort you feel when separated from your familiar environment, family, and friends. It often occurs due to breaking routines, cultural differences, or difficulty adjusting to change in a new country.

How can staying connected with family help with homesickness?

Staying connected with family provides emotional support, comfort, and a sense of belonging. Regular video calls or messages make the transition abroad easier and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Is staying connected with friends as important as family when dealing with homesickness?

Yes. Staying connected with friends helps maintain normalcy and creates a stronger support system. Sharing experiences with both old and new friends can significantly reduce homesickness.

Can too much communication with home worsen homesickness?

Sometimes, yes. While staying connected with family and friends is essential, focusing too much on home can slow your adjustment. It’s best to balance communication with engaging in new surroundings.

How can Platuni help students struggling with homesickness?

Platuni not only helps you find affordable, safe student accommodation but also connects you with a community of like-minded students. By living in a shared space, you can build friendships, find support, and feel less isolated while studying abroad.