How to Adjust as a New International Student

If you are a new international student, make the first weeks manageable by learning how your university works, building a simple routine, meeting people through low-pressure activities and asking for support early. Culture shock, homesickness and academic uncertainty can affect students in different ways, so use the advice that fits your situation and check your university’s own guidance.

Table of contents:

• What culture shock can feel like as an international student
• How to manage homesickness as an international student
• How to make friends as a new international student
• How to prepare for academic life as an international student
• Find your people through the IDP Student Community

Starting university in another country brings several changes at once. You may be learning a new campus, a different academic system, unfamiliar routines and a new social environment. Give yourself time to settle in and use the support available at your university.

These new international student tips focus on the first weeks as an international student, when small practical steps can make daily life easier.

What culture shock can feel like as an international student​

Culture shock can involve confusion, stress or disorientation when familiar surroundings, communication and expectations change. Students respond differently, and there is no universal timetable for adjustment. You may notice changes in your confidence, mood, sleep, appetite, communication or willingness to socialise.

You can make the first week easier by taking a few practical steps:

• Attend your international student orientation or university orientation if one is offered.

• Check your university email, timetable, course instructions and student portal.

• Find the international student office, your academic adviser and the main academic-support service.

• Walk the route to your teaching buildings and locate useful places such as the library, health service and student support centre.

• Set up essential connectivity in line with your university’s advice and your destination’s arrangements.

• Leave time to sleep and recover from your journey. Tiredness can make unfamiliar situations feel harder.

Ask questions when you are unsure about a process. The international office or student-support team can explain where to find information, and a short conversation can prevent a small problem from becoming a larger one. You can also keep a note of useful contacts and opening hours.

A steady routine can help you regain a sense of control. Choose a regular time to sleep, eat and study. Add one manageable activity that helps you feel settled, such as a walk, a familiar meal or a short call home. If you feel lonely, anxious or homesick and it begins to affect your daily life or studies, contact your university’s wellbeing, counselling or student-support service. You can also read this guide to your first three months at university for more ideas about the early weeks.

How to manage homesickness as an international student​

Homesickness can appear as sadness, loneliness, irritability or a strong wish to return home. The intensity and timing vary. You may feel it immediately, after the excitement of arrival fades or around an important family event.

Try a few practical options and notice what helps you:

• Keep a simple daily routine that includes sleep, meals, study and movement.

• Agree realistic times to message or call trusted people at home. Regular contact can feel easier to manage than waiting until you feel overwhelmed.

• Cook a familiar meal, visit a cultural or faith community if you want to, or find a local shop that sells familiar ingredients.

• Attend one low-pressure activity on campus. You can leave early if the setting feels too much.

• Tell a trusted friend, tutor, international adviser or wellbeing professional how you are feeling.

Staying connected to home can sit alongside building a life where you are studying. You do not have to choose one identity or stop valuing your home culture to take part in your new environment. If homesickness continues to affect your sleep, attendance, relationships or ability to study, ask your university what support is available.

How to make friends as a new international student​

Meaningful friendships can take time. Start with places where you will see the same people more than once. Orientation events, course groups, clubs, societies, volunteering and peer-mentor schemes can all create regular opportunities to talk.

A useful first step is to ask one simple question after class or at an event. You could ask whether someone has found the library, understood the timetable or plans to attend another activity. Repeated small conversations often feel more manageable than trying to make a close friend immediately.

A club or society can give you a shared interest to talk about. You can explore how joining a club or society at university can help before choosing an activity. Try more than one setting if the first does not feel right. Some students prefer a mix of international and local friendships; others begin with people who share their language or background. Choose the connections that feel comfortable and respectful to you.

How to prepare for academic life as an international student​

Academic study varies by university, course and country. Your classes may involve lectures, seminars, tutorials, laboratories, group work, presentations or independent study. Read your course information carefully and ask your department how teaching, attendance, assessment and participation work.

Your course may expect you to evaluate sources, compare evidence and explain your conclusions. You may need to contribute to discussions, work with classmates and explain your reasoning in writing or presentations. If you are still developing your academic English, ask whether your university offers language or writing support. If you are unsure about expectations, ask your tutor or academic adviser and use the academic-skills or writing support offered by your institution. This guide to critical-thinking skills can help you understand the type of reasoning many university tasks require.

Feedback may be written, oral, peer-based or discussion-based. Read the criteria for each task and ask what you can improve. The Hotcourses guide to how academic feedback works explains ways to use comments on your work.

Academic integrity rules also matter. Plagiarism rules differ by institution, but students are generally expected to acknowledge words, ideas, data and other material that they use. Read your university’s policy before submitting work. If you are unsure how to paraphrase, cite, use sources or collaborate, ask your tutor, library, writing centre or academic-skills team. Follow the rules for your course, including any instructions about artificial intelligence tools.

You do not have to work out every part of university life alone. Depending on your institution, support for international students may include an international office, academic adviser, academic-skills or writing service, wellbeing or counselling, health services, language support, student union or peer mentors. Check your university website and save the contact details before you need them. This guide explains how to find support at university.

Your first semester will include setbacks as well as progress. Keep a short record of questions, feedback and tasks you need to follow up. Ask for help early, give yourself time to adjust and use the resources your university provides.

Frequently asked questions

What is culture shock for international students?

Culture shock is a possible response to unfamiliar surroundings, communication styles, customs and expectations. It can involve confusion, stress, disorientation or homesickness. Students experience it differently, and some may not recognise it as a distinct stage. A manageable routine and early contact with university support can help you respond to changes.

How long does culture shock last?

There is no universal timetable. Some students adjust quickly in one part of life and take longer with another, such as academic communication or socialising. If the experience affects your daily life, attendance, sleep or ability to study, contact your university’s student-support, wellbeing or counselling service.

How can an international student cope with homesickness?

Keep a basic routine, arrange realistic contact with trusted people at home, make space for familiar food or cultural activities if they help, and try one low-pressure activity in your new community. Speak to a trusted person or university support service if homesickness becomes difficult to manage.

How can a new international student make friends?

Choose settings where you can see people repeatedly, such as orientation, course groups, clubs, societies, volunteering or peer-mentor activities. Start with short conversations and give relationships time to develop. You can build connections with international students, local students or both.

What support is available for international students at university?

Depending on the institution, you may find an international office, academic adviser, academic-skills or writing service, wellbeing or counselling, health services, language support, student union and peer mentors. Check your university’s website for current services, eligibility and contact details.