Studying in Australia can offer you a lot of exciting opportunities, but it can feel overwhelming at first. Nearly all international students experience some feelings of culture shock or homesickness when they arrive in a new country.

It is normal to experience lots of changes in your emotions as you adjust to life in Australia. There are times you’ll feel excited and curious as you experience living in a new culture, but at other times you may feel sad or frustrated if you don’t know anyone here or you’re trying to learn a new language.

Students who honour their home culture while getting involved in Australian culture tend to feel less stress as they adjust. Try these tips to help you settle into life in Australia and at Deakin.

• Accept that you will miss home sometimes – remember to stay in touch with your loved ones for emotional support.
• Attend the events on your Orientation Itinerary. This will help you find your way and begin to feel part of Deakin’s student community.
• Get involved by attending an event on-campus so you can start making new friends. You may find it helpful to seek out other international students at first, or going to an event organised by International Student Connect, where you’ll find lots of new students just like you.
• Join our International Students @ Deakin Facebook group. It will help you feel connected to other international students who might have similar feelings, interests and questions as you.
• If you see another student who seems lonely, make an effort to talk to them. You might be able to help them adjust or even make a friend who can relate to your situation.

Remember that feelings of culture shock and homesickness are common, and you are not alone: there are people here at Deakin who can help you.

Read more advice about adjusting to living away from home

If you have any questions about your enrolment, course, units or studies at Deakin, or if you feel homesick or you’re having trouble settling in, you can contact Student Central for assistance.