Dealing with Homesickness While Abroad 

Whether you’ve travelled from far and wide or not, moving to a new city (and a new country) can be one of the hardest things in life to adjust to.

Like many others, I moved to Düsseldorf, Germany for love. While I made that leap of faith to come here and hope that our relationship would blossom, there’s no denying that a part of me still misses home.

During the time I’ve spent abroad, it’s been a constant trial and error period trying to see what satisfies me here the same way I was back home. Here are a few pointers to properly deal with homesickness while abroad.

 

Join Clubs and Communities 

For starters, if you’re not already a part of our Life in Düsseldorf | Expat & Local Community on Facebook, go join us now!

Nothing has helped me more than integrating myself into the community. While making new friends was something I thought I finished doing when I was in grade school, it’s harder to make new friends when you’ve moved on to your adult years. Taking that first jump into joining clubs and communities can be tricky for some, but once you do it… it will be an eye-opener as to how much you can do and take part in while you’re there.

This should help you get started… here is a list of THE BEST EXPAT RECOMMENDED MEETUPS IN DÜSSELDORF

 

Find a Cuddle Buddy

I’m well aware that I moved to Düsseldorf for love which should mean my cuddles are sufficed, but sometimes you need more than that. Many international expats, if staying in a location for a long time, choose to adopt a pet. Whether you’re interested in cats, dogs, ferrets or snakes, consider adopting or babysitting a new cuddle buddy. I’ve been lucky enough to find a wonderful couple that has lent me their big fluffy friend to walk and love and cuddle.

 

Get Familiar with Your City 

The great thing about moving to a new city is that you’re unaware of the surprises that lay around you. I’ve surprised myself so much so that even my partner claims I’ve explored more of his hometown than he has. Take that opportunity to explore your city and fall in love with new and exciting things to do in Germany. I make a point to go on at least one new tour each month so that I continue learning and exploring new things about Düsseldorf.

 

Explore Beyond Your City 

Fall in love not just with the city, but with the surrounding areas. It’s difficult to fall in love with a city that’s being compared to your place back home. Instead of staying put, go out and see how much there really is to do around the area. Living in Europe opens up ample opportunity for long weekend trips and explorations. Check out a few weekend trips I’ve already shared with you here: Exploring Freiburg, Exploring Karlsruhe, Exploring Duisburg and Exploring the Mosel Valley.

 

Find Your Favourites 

It’s taken you years to build trusting relationships not just with your friends and family, but with your favourite brands, grocery stores, hairdressers, doctors, you name it. It’s time to put a little more effort into finding some new all-time favourites in your new city. While the search can be difficult, that’s what Life in Düsseldorf is here for.

If you’re looking for a cleaner, dentist, yoga studio, etc. keep browsing Life in Düsseldorf to see what you come up with.

 

Are you still having a tough time settling into the city?

Join our e-course! Even if you’ve been living in Düsseldorf for quite some time, there are still quite a few sections that will help you even years down the road. We offer a bonus workshop which, allows people (both new and old) better adjust to their new routines by adapting their old routines.