Studying abroad can be an exciting and unforgettable experience. Yet, it can bring new challenges, some of which can take a toll on your mental health.
Being away from familiar surroundings and loved ones isn’t easy, especially during this unique phase in life. However, there’s a lot you can do to take good care of your mental health while making the best out of your study abroad experience.
In this guide, we’ll list our best tips for keeping your mind healthy while studying abroad. We’ve included everything you need to know about how adapting to the local culture and keeping in touch with your loved ones can support your mental health while making the best memories away from home.
So, let’s start!
1. Try your best to adapt to your new environment
Adapting to new surroundings, people, weather, and languages can be challenging for the best of us. However, even though being outside of your comfort zone is difficult, it’s where real growth and progress happen.
To ease your transition and adjust to your new environment, you must turn these unfamiliar surroundings into familiar ones. You can do this by, for example, exploring your host country and getting to know its culture.
Similarly, joining student clubs or attending events can help you get to know new people, from which you can build your new support system.
Ultimately, having a network of new friends and a better understanding of the local culture can provide comfort and belonging, reducing the likelihood of experiencing homesickness or loneliness.
2. Keep a balanced lifestyle
Striking a balance between fun and rest is one of the most successful hacks to keep your mental and physical health in check while enjoying your experience abroad.
Prioritising sleep and physical exercise are necessary, so ensure you’re allotting time to rest and move during your busy schedule. Similarly, maintaining a balanced diet will ensure you have the energy to keep up with studying and fun activities. So, remember to add some greens while savouring all the local delicacies.
By taking these steps, you can stay healthy and energised throughout your study abroad experience.
3. Keep in touch with your loved ones
Making new connections is great. But remember to maintain contact with your friends and family back home. It’s normal to miss your loved ones, but keeping in touch with them can give you a sense of comfort and alleviate that sense of homesickness and loneliness.
Schedule regular communication, such as video calls or messages, to stay in touch and share updates about your new exciting life with them.
Remember, they’re probably missing your presence, too — so sharing your experiences, photos, videos, or anything similar can help make them feel a part of your experience.
4. Be kind to yourself
Studying abroad is a unique and once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, but it’s essential to be patient and kind to yourself during this exciting yet challenging adventure.
Practice self-compassion, and always treat yourself as you would your best friend.
Don’t give yourself a hard time if you’re struggling to adapt or keep up with this exciting new chapter. After all, good things don’t come easy, so cut yourself some slack and give yourself a pat on the back for any progress you’ve achieved.
Being nice to yourself by practicing self-care and prioritising your mental health can make a difference in your study abroad experience and help ensure that it’s positive and fulfilling.
5. Choose student accommodation designed for your mental well-being
Choosing the right spot to base yourself is crucial to maintaining good mental health while studying abroad.
At Campus Hub, we’ve designed an environment shaped around student well-being.
You’ll find a vast range of amenities, such as a gym, restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, social areas, and comfortable accommodation — all of which can help you feel your best as a student.
One great thing about staying at Campus Hub is the sense of community our environment promotes. Our communal areas are meant to bring people together while enjoying good food or watching a series or film together.
At the same time, all the on-site facilities can help make your life easier while studying abroad, giving you the support you need to take care of your mind and body, and have the best time.
For more information about Campus Hub accommodation and facilities, contact us directly via our contact form, email us at info@campushubmalta.com, or +356 23167700.
