Navigating the final weeks of a semester can be challenging as it is, but homesickness adds another aspect of stress during these times. With the holidays quickly approaching, homesickness can be at an all-time high. Luckily, Marta, an undergraduate student at the U of A and a graduate student in Ukraine, gave me her best advice for overcoming homesickness. Between joining a student collective and taking some extra time for self-care, Marta offers many helpful tips for overcoming homesickness as an international student.
How has your relationship with homesickness changed over the course of your time in university?
When I first came here, I was feeling a bit lonely because I didn't know anyone. My family was back home, as well as my old friends. But over time, as I made new friends with Ukrainians, Canadians and people from different countries, I began to feel better. As I have gotten used to my new routine, my new life and my new surroundings, I realize that my homesickness is different now. I still miss my family and I still miss my city in Ukraine, but I also realize it is right that I'm here. I am happy to be here and to be doing what I am doing. My homesickness is combined with my feelings that I'm supposed to be here.
What advice would you give to a first-year international student dealing with homesickness?
I would say the best advice is to understand why you are here. For example, I think it is easier to overcome difficulties in university when you know why you are doing this. You have to realize your goal of studying is important to you, and then your homesickness will fade and become paired with your desire to achieve something. It is also a great idea to connect with your cultural community. My Ukrainian community in Edmonton really helps me to feel at home. When I am attending Ukrainian events, I feel that I connect with my country even though I am so far away. It is always a great idea to find friends from your country and attend cultural events.
How have you built a network of support on campus?
There is a Ukrainian Students' Society on campus and they organize many events and participate in a lot of cultural fairs. Being a part of this organization helps me to be a part of my community. Last year, I organized a Ukrainian event with my friends. It was a big success, and doing it made me feel like I was doing something important for my community. It also helped me to overcome my homesickness. It was a great combination of doing something important for my country and myself as well. Meeting other Ukrainian students has helped me—they are like my family now!
What are your tips for maintaining friendships and family relationships while you are at university?
I talk with my parents every day; it is very important for me to communicate with them because they, of course, wonder how their child is doing. I like talking with them, telling them that I am doing well and asking how they are doing. When it comes to friends, I think it can be difficult to keep up because we are so far apart and we lead different lives. Long-distance friendships haven't worked as well for me as I expected but still, I try to catch up with them at least once a month. We still keep in touch, but not as much as we would prefer.
What are some of your favourite ways to take care of yourself during stressful times as a student?
I'm not an expert on this, but now that I have been a university student for quite a while, four years in Ukraine and two years here, I have learned to become calmer about my studying. I always prioritize the most important things and see if I have time for other tasks. When I have several deadlines in a row, I like to take some time to relax afterwards. For example, I watch movies or go to sleep early. It is important for me to have some time to recover after such intense studying. I also find sports super useful, as well as dancing. I also like going to the gym because it helps to switch my mind off of studying and relax.
One of my first memories of you involves you telling me that you had to write a midterm in the middle of the night for another university! How do you manage your busy schedule while dealing with different time zones?
Working with different time zones can be a problem sometimes. For example, when I get up in the morning, it is already the evening in my country. I am also a graduate student in Ukraine and I study online. It can be difficult to combine both, but I have learned to manage. For example, the last few weeks have been really intense, but at the end of the day, it is really rewarding. It can be a hard journey, but it is worth it in the end!
