No matter how excited you are to study abroad, sooner or later homesickness sneaks in. It could hit you in your first week, or maybe months later when the “honeymoon phase” ends and the reality of distance sets in. Suddenly you miss your family’s cooking, your friends back home, your language, or even just the little routines that made life feel familiar.

Here’s the truth: every international student goes through it. And that’s okay. Homesickness doesn’t mean you’re weak or ungrateful — it just means you’re human. The good news is students who’ve been through it have plenty of advice to share.

Here are some of the best tips from those who’ve been there.

❤️ 1. Stay Connected — But Not Too Much

It’s natural to call home often, especially in the beginning. Regular video calls can be comforting, but spending too much time online can make the distance feel heavier.

👉 Student Tip: Schedule weekly video calls instead of multiple short ones a day. It gives you something to look forward to, while leaving space to build your life here.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 2. Find Your “Second Family”

Almost every student says the turning point came when they found a community in Ireland. Friends here can become your family away from home. For many, that community started with joining societies like ISS.

👉 Student Tip: Come to ISS Thursday events, trips, or cultural nights. Sharing experiences with people who are going through the same thing makes homesickness lighter.

🍲 3. Bring Home to Ireland

Sometimes, what you miss most are the small comforts of home — a favourite snack, a traditional dish, or your own language. Re-creating those little pieces of home in Galway makes a huge difference.

👉 Student Tip: Cook your favourite meal and invite friends to share it. Or join others in cooking theirs — you’ll swap traditions and feel less alone.

🌍 4. Explore Ireland Like It’s Your New Backyard

When homesickness hits, the best medicine is often to get out and experience something new. Ireland has incredible landscapes, music, and traditions waiting for you. The more you explore, the more you’ll start creating your own memories here.

👉 Student Tip: Don’t wait for a holiday to travel. Take small adventures — a walk on Salthill Prom, a trip to Connemara, or just wandering Shop Street with friends.

📚 5. Stay Busy With Purpose

When you sit alone with too much free time, homesickness grows louder. Filling your schedule with classes, part-time work, volunteering, or hobbies can keep your mind and heart engaged.

👉 Student Tip: Try volunteering with ISS, becoming an International Student Ambassador (ISA), or joining a sports club — being active helps you settle in faster.

🧘 6. Take Care of Your Mental Health

Homesickness can sometimes feel like loneliness, anxiety, or sadness. Taking care of your body and mind is key: eat properly, get enough sleep, and find ways to relax.

👉 Student Tip: ATU has free support services — including counselling, Student Health, and wellbeing workshops. Visit 👉 www.atu.ie/student-life/student-support. Don’t wait until you feel overwhelmed to reach out.

✨ 7. Remember Why You Came

When homesickness feels heavy, remind yourself of your goals — the degree you’re working toward, the opportunities you’ll gain, and the adventure of living abroad. Keeping your long-term vision in mind makes the short-term struggles easier to handle.

👉 Student Tip: Write down your reasons for coming to ATU and keep them somewhere visible. On tough days, look at that list as a reminder of why this journey matters.

💬 8. Talk About It

Sometimes the easiest way to feel better is to simply say it out loud: “I’m homesick.” Most of your friends here will understand, because they’ve been through the same thing. Talking about it takes away the feeling of being alone.

👉 Student Tip: Share your feelings with classmates, housemates, or at ISS events — you’ll probably find others nodding along.

🌟 Final Word: Homesickness Doesn’t Last Forever

The first months away from home are the hardest. But with time, Galway starts to feel familiar. You’ll discover your favourite café, your go-to study spot, your group of friends — and suddenly, you realise you’ve built a new “home” here.

Homesickness may visit you again and again, but each time it gets easier. And one day, you’ll notice something surprising: when you leave Ireland, you’ll feel homesick for Galway too.

So don’t hide it, don’t fight it — live through it. Because homesickness is proof of two beautiful things: you have a home you love, and you’re brave enough to build a new one.