Wellbeing tips
for international students
Introduction
Your wellbeing is one of the key elements of your student experience.
We know that moving away from your home country can be difficult, especially in the first few months when you may be feeling homesick.
But do not worry – this is normal, and more students than you realise feel the same way.
How do we know this? We talked to our UWL international students and members of staff, who have shared with us some of their best wellbeing tips to make sure that you are getting the help you need to overcome homesickness.
Main body
1. Find some home comforts
Deepa (international undergraduate student, Business Studies)
When you are far away from your country, family and friends, there is nothing like a reminder of home.
This could be listening to the radio, watching your favourite TV programmes or eating some of your favourite food. Some restaurants may change the style of cuisine for British taste, so you may find it hard to find exactly what you are looking for, but keep searching and you will find some great authentic restaurants.
Alternatively, ask your family to send you an emergency supply of some of your favourite food and cook it yourself. Reminders of home can be comforting, helping reduce anxiety and feelings of homesickness.
2. Embrace the challenge
Omar (international postgraduate student, Computer Science)
Living in a foreign country whilst studying at university brings many challenges, both good and bad.
When things are bad, it can make you want to quit and go home. However, these challenges are what help us develop and grow as people. You will look back on university in years to come and reflect on what a wonderful experience it was and how much you learned. The challenges you encounter will help you develop resilience and problem-solving skills, which will make you a more well-rounded, employable person in the future.
3. Ask for help
It’s okay to not be okay. Life has its ups and downs, and you are stretching yourself out of your comfort zone by living and studying in a foreign country away from your family and friends.
During these times, do not feel embarrassed or shy about the way you are feeling, or about asking for help. Talking to friends and family can be an effective way to release some of the pressure and tension that you are feeling.
At UWL, we have a team of professionals in the Wellbeing team that can help you. You can find out more about the support available to you via the support for current students page.
4. Self-care
Dee O'Dell-Athill (Head of Student Welfare and Liaison Services)
It's key to know what our bodies and minds require to be well, and then acting on that. However, we do not always know what these things are, and there are sometimes barriers in the way of making healthy choices.
Setting routines and keeping a healthy lifestyle balance can help build our capacity to deal with situations: e.g. eating healthy, sleeping 7-8 hours per night, avoiding screen time before bed, exercising and practising a hobby.
5. Make the most of the opportunities available at UWL
Andreea Daniela Coroama (International Student Experience Coordinator)
You are an important part of the UWL student community and there are many exciting things you can get involved in during your time here.
Why not join a sports club or society, join our gym, become a Course Rep, engage in the Peer Mentoring Scheme or join our BAME support network People Like Us? These extracurricular activities are a fantastic way to get to know new people and help you feel more connected to the UWL community.
6. Immerse yourself in the UK culture
Karan (international postgraduate student, Luxury Hospitality)
You may only be in the UK once in your lifetime, so make the most of your time here. There is so much to see and do, both in London and beyond, so make sure you have fun and travel when you can.
Our SummerFest and WinterFest pages are great places to find organised trips and activities across the UK during your summer and winter breaks.
7. Be at one with nature
Amal (international PhD student, Civil Engineering)
Nature is proven to boost wellbeing by reducing stress. Fortunately, London has an abundance of parks and green spaces. Walpole Park and Lammas Park are near to our West London Campus, meaning easy access. Syon House and Park also have a hauntingly paranormal history that you must check out. You can have picnic dates or go on a daily walk to make sure that you are both enjoying the nature that surrounds you and getting your daily vitamin C intake.
8. Your English is better than you think!
Alison Griffin (Head of Study Support)
Although you may not be confident speaking English to native speakers, your English will be much better than you think. Most of the time your level of English will actually be better than most native speakers!
The more you surround yourself with the English language and keep trying to speak it at every opportunity, the quicker it will improve and your confidence will go up. Most people in the UK cannot speak a second language so we are all full of respect and admiration for anyone else that can, and will be patient if you make a mistake.
