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It’s the first time I’ve been away from home. I thought I would be fine being ‘on my own,’ but I really miss home and the people who were part of my everyday life. I know 6 months go by quickly, but there are moments, like right now, when I’m overwhelmed by feelings of discouragement and loneliness. I think it’s normal, but I’m a bit afraid that I might just feel anxiety and distress for these remaining 4–5 months… I don’t want this experience to become just ‘counting how much time is left before going back home.’ I went from always having something to do, always being around people, to having empty stretches of time and a lot of time to spend alone with myself… maybe I wasn’t ready, I don’t know… I hope it passes and that I can get used to living this reality too. What can I do when I have one of these moments?
Rådgiver svarer
Thanks for bringing your question. I fully understand that moving to a new place, and new country can bring some social and personal challenges. In your situation I believe it is important to embrace and be kind to oneself, while trying to get along with the new surroundings.
For most people it looks different before the exchange or a travel starts and after arriving to a new country. When being in a new context, socially, culturally and maybe climate wise, it is not uncommon to get surprised by ones own reactions to all the changes. I am sure many exchange students have resembling experiences, even though it might not always be visible.
One day at a time – and connecting
- Some people who have experienced moving abroad, have learnt that the amount of contact with their people at home can influence how easy one connects with the new society. Exceedingly contact with the homeland can increase the feeling of missing your loved ones more. Maybe small steps of connecting with nature, people and the surroundings in your new place, can increase the attachment to your new city and to Norway. Maybe you can make an initiative towards a fellow student at your course or in your student housing, grabbing a coffee together or taking a walk?
- To get to know people in a new place can take time, so I would like to mention that most student cities have social venues, where one can participate in different activities. Voluntary groups among students, venues at campus or in the student villages, can be venues where new acquaintances can be made. If it is hard to find information on relevant activities, the student welfare organization Sit can guide you on the way.
- What where your main reasons for choosing to come to Norway? By re-connecting to your initial goals, you can maybe try to put daily goals for the coming weeks, to get the feeling of moving on in your new context. A goal could be to visit a new place in the city or to try new food, and such efforts can give your week a new spirit and give you a rest from your worries.
Someone to talk to
- When having a lot on your mind, being far away from those you normally interact with, it might be helpful to get some guidance through your new situation. If you need someone to talk to, the student welfare organisations have councellors and courses that might be helpful.
- I am not sure at which university you study, but if it is NTNU, you can also reach out to the Unit for international relations - NTNU if you need a bit of support on how to manage your exchange period. If you study at another institution, please check with the contact person/office concerning your exchange.
I have added some articles about related themes, and hope they can be easily translated if you would like to read them.
Good luck in opening new doors, and in believing that the coming weeks can get better than the previous ones.
Best regards,
Councellor