Homesick & Healing

Moving abroad or even just to another city that is an hour away from where your family is can be such an internal struggle. You are no longer close to the people you relied on for emotional support and quality time whenever you needed it.

I have been in this position one too many times. First, it was my experience moving abroad with the university for over three years and seeing my siblings and family members have fun without me, and noticeably bond in ways that weren’t there for me, that really broke me. It’s like fear of missing out, but in the end, you see firsthand that you have missed out on quite a lot of things. 3 years is a long time, and when people do move, they want to make the most of the new place they are in.

It’s finding a perfect blend of nurturing the relationships you've left behind and putting in effort in the ones you are trying to create. It’s very common for there to be an imbalance here, as you put more of yourself into one, you inevitably get this taken away by the other.

For many people moving abroad, there is also the added stress of visas, residency permits, deadlines, and uncertainty about the future. Trying to settle emotionally while also navigating legal processes can become overwhelming very quickly. In situations like these, immigration lawyers can play an important role in reducing some of that pressure. Having professional guidance on your visa status or long-term plans can provide reassurance and stability during an already emotionally difficult transition.

How To Heal

It’s a journey in itself, but there are loads of ways you can try to get past homesickness and move on with your decision to move away in the first place.

It’s a journey in itself, but there are many ways you can try to work through homesickness and feel more grounded in your decision to move away in the first place.

Allow Yourself To Grieve

One of the hardest things about moving is accepting that you are grieving a version of your life that no longer exists. Your routines, familiar faces, favourite places, and spontaneous moments with family are suddenly gone. It’s important not to dismiss those feelings. Missing home does not mean you made the wrong decision — it means those connections mattered to you.

Stop Comparing Your Old Life To Your New One

When you constantly compare your new environment to your old one, your new surroundings never get a fair chance. You may find yourself romanticising home while focusing only on the difficult parts of where you are now. Give yourself permission to experience this new chapter without expecting it to immediately feel comfortable.

Create New Routines

Homesickness often feels strongest during moments of uncertainty and isolation. Building small routines can create a sense of stability. Whether it’s going to the same coffee shop every weekend, joining a gym, taking evening walks, or calling family every Sunday, routines help create familiarity in unfamiliar places.

Keep Contact Meaningful

You do not have to speak to family and friends every hour to stay close to them. Sometimes quality matters more than quantity. A meaningful video call, sharing photos of your day, or planning future visits can help maintain emotional closeness without making you feel trapped between two lives.

Put Yourself Out There

Making new connections is difficult, especially when you already feel emotionally drained. But healing often starts when you allow yourself to become part of your new environment instead of simply surviving in it. Friendships formed through work, university, hobbies, or shared interests can slowly make a place feel like home.

Remember Why You Moved

There was a reason you made this decision. Maybe it was for education, career opportunities, independence, growth, or simply a fresh start. During difficult moments, it’s easy to forget the bigger picture and focus only on what you lost. Try to reconnect with the version of yourself that was excited for this next step.