How To Beat Loneliness When Living Abroad

Studying abroad, far away from home, has its perks and can be one of the most fulfilling experiences you will have as a young adult, but it can no doubt get lonely. As exciting as leaving your home can be, it’s also terrifying. Moving to a new country alone means you’re far out of your comfort zone, away from your support system. It’s okay to feel a little lonely every once in a while, but don’t let it get you down. The most important thing to remember is that feeling lonely is natural, and you’re not alone. There are thousands of college students going through the same emotions. So what can you do to beat the loneliness?

Make new friends

Surrounding yourself with people is a great way to beat loneliness. College campuses are one of the best places to make friends. Friendships are often a product of proximity; at college, you’re surrounded by thousands of like-minded people, all potential friends. Over the years, friendships often grow and shift, and you sometimes grow apart from old friends as you mature. At university, you have the chance to start fresh and cultivate new relationships with people. 

If you aren’t the most social or are worried that you won’t click with anyone, don’t be! People at college are all in the same boat. Everyone’s eager to make new friends and take on this new chapter of their lives with many new friends by their side. Read our blog for more information on how to make friends in college!

Find a hobby  

An idle mind is the devil's workshop. Without anything to keep you occupied, your mind tends to wander and dwell on negative thoughts. Sometimes having too much time on your hands can negatively contribute to any existing feelings of loneliness and the best thing to do is distract yourself. University is an excellent place for you to spend time figuring out your interests. We’ve all heard the infamous way Facebook began. Zuckerberg’s billion-dollar company started in a dorm with his roommates. Your hobby doesn't need to turn into your career, but keeping yourself busy with a fun activity is a great way to beat loneliness. Many students take to cooking when they’re at college. Preparing food can seem like a mammoth task if you’re not used to it, but if you take the effort to try out new recipes, re-create some of your favourite dishes or cook up a meal for your friends, you can spend your time being productive, without harping on feeling lonely. Of course, cooking isn't the only hobby you can pick up. From sewing and painting to editing and filming, there’s a range of new interests you can discover while at university to keep you busy if you’re feeling lonely. 

Take a break from social media

Social media is a great place to catch up with old friends, document your life, and showcase your creativity. If you’re using social media as an escape or a stress reliever, there’s no reason to stop, but when you’re already feeling lonely or maybe even sad, you never know what may set you off into a spiral. Seeing your feed flooded with posts from your friends and acquaintances out having fun may just put you in a slump. Staying away from all that for a bit could help keep your spirits up if you’re not constantly thinking of what you could be doing instead. 

One of the most prominent signs that you need a break from social media is if you constantly compare yourself to the people you see on your feed. It may not be easy to cut out social media from your routine entirely, but it's a good practice to start setting limits for yourself. Try to slowly reduce your screen time every day. Whenever you get the urge to scroll through your phone, try and divert your attention by putting on some music or starting a new TV show. 

Exercise regularly

When you’re busy with schoolwork and household chores, it's easy to forget about your health. Your mental and physical health are both equally important to your overall well-being. Taking time out of your day to exercise and feel healthier can positively impact how you feel. Numerous studies showcase that people who exercise for even just ten minutes a day are, on average, much happier than those who don’t exercise at all. 

Running with a group, taking yoga classes, spin classes or even group pilates classes can help when you’re feeling lonely. Most universities have their own gyms that often offer fitness classes at discounted rates to students. Ask your friends to join a class with you or go to a class alone and make new friends. You can also try your hand at more exciting sports like rock climbing, skiing or even ice skating if you happen to be in a colder place.  

Stay in touch

Feeling lonely isn’t just a product of being alone. Many people are content with being alone and even prefer isolation over company. But loneliness is a feeling that stems from a perceived disconnect between you and the people around you. You can be in a room full of crowded people and still feel alone. In times like that, you need to remember that you always have people in your life that value you.

Your friends and family back home will always be there for you when you need them. They may be far away, but they’re still essential to your support system. Life can get hectic when you’re starting a new chapter, making your old connections all the more valuable. People who have known you the longest, often have a way of picking you up when you feel down, so don’t take them for granted. 

Missing home? Read our blog on how to deal with homesickness at university and cheer yourself up!

Explore the new city

Feeling safe and comfortable in your surroundings significantly impacts how quickly you settle into a new environment. The unfamiliarity of a new city can negatively impact your outlook, especially if you’re already struggling with loneliness at university. Exploring your city and getting comfortable with navigating your way through it can help with overcoming loneliness at university. 

Go out for a walk in your new neighbourhood with your friends, or even just by yourself and see what your city has to offer. Take a walk in a park, visit a museum, spend time at shopping centres and get acquainted with your city. Exploring a new place alone is a great way to build your confidence and start settling into a new home. 

Decorate your home

It's important to feel comfortable at home because that is where you’ll likely spend most of your time. Many students don’t put in the time it takes to set up their home and decorate it with things they like, but if you get the time, making your room feel cosy can help if you’re feeling lonely. If you’re looking for cosy homes to call your own, you can browse the best properties on Amber. 

Setting up your home can help you feel more settled and at ease with your new life. Buying bedding that you like, putting up pictures of your friends and family or even getting some plants can help make your house feel more like home. Decorating may seem expensive, but there are many budget-friendly ways to decorate your dorm room which you can explore. 

Feeling lonely in a foreign country is normal, and you shouldn’t let it affect you negatively. There are many different ways of how to deal with loneliness and not let it get you down. We hope we’ve been able to provide you with some helpful advice to help you kick the loneliness, and we wish you all the best on your student journey! For more information, check out our blog on 5 tips for adjusting to life abroad.