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Study abroad : Student Life

Help I can’t travel home for the holidays

International students often face a huge problem – travel home for the holidays or stay at university? We look at the strong feelings involved and offer some solutions.

A woman sits at a coffee shop counter looking out of the window.

Should I go home and spend the holidays with my family, or should I stay at university on my own? This is one of the hardest questions that international students ask themselves every time there’s a holiday. The stress, worry and loneliness are real. But you do have options and there are solutions. They might not be perfect, but they might help. Read on to find out more.  

 

Reasons why I can’t go home for the holidays 

 

There are various reasons why students can’t travel back home for the holidays. If it’s a short break, the cost and time involved in travelling mean a great deal of money is spent, but you have a lot less time with family and friends.  

 

Unfortunately, COVID-19 restrictions and quarantine periods can also make the precious time at home with family and friends even more limited. There’s also the added risk of COVID-19 restrictions changing while you’re away, which may mean you cannot travel back to university for the start of the semester.  

 

Many universities have hybrid (online and face to face) learning options, but many do not. This means that some students may be faced with being unable to return to university in time and not having access to the course programme while they’re away. It isn’t difficult to see why this situation would cause so much stress and worry.  

 

 

What are the problems this can cause? 

 

This situation also creates practical problems. If you don’t go home for the holidays and choose to stay at university, you may not have a place to live.

 

Some campus accommodation contracts don’t cover holidays, but some offer accommodation for 365 days a year.  It’s important to check your accommodation contract to see if this applies to you. 

 

Also, campus accommodation may close over the holidays, or their facilities are limited during this time. Certain universities do offer vacation accommodation at an extra fee. Make sure to book this in advance if possible.  

 

How might I feel? 

 

It’s not very surprising that all this may leave you feeling confused and worried. There’s a lot to do and think about. But, the hardest thing of all for international students at this time is the feelings of loneliness and homesickness.  

 

When you’ve been away from everyone you know and love for a long time, going home is even more important. When you’re far away you dream of being back in a familiar environment, listening to a language that you understand, eating comforting food and visiting favourite places. Not being able to do these things is disappointing and painful.

 

You may also be feeling guilty because your family and friends want you to come home. They may be putting pressure on you to come back. This might be made worse when you see your non-international university friends going home to their families.  

 

Please don’t feel that you should keep silent about these strong feelings and thoughts. It’s important for your mental health that you talk to someone about it. Talking helps to relieve the pain a little. All universities have student well-being services and international student support services to help you. Don’t feel shy or embarrassed to talk to a stranger about your feelings. Sometimes, it’s much easier than talking to someone you know.  

 

Also, remember there are solutions to all the above problems. Let’s see what you can do.  

 

What are some solutions?  

 

As you can see, there are quite a few options for you. Try to view this break as an opportunity to experience new things. Many people do go home for the holidays, but many do not. There will be many other people in the same situation as you so you won’t be completely alone.  

 

 

*if your visa allows you to find a job

 

Not being able to go home for the holidays is tough. However, it’s also an opportunity to experience new things and to learn a little more about yourself. You’ll learn that you can do difficult things and it will make you a stronger person.  

 

Happy holidays!