7 tips to feel at home in a new country

While it can be tempting to gravitate towards other international students from the same country as you, it’s arguably just as important to seek out domestic students who can help introduce you to your new country of residence. 

For Enej, this meant taking the opportunity to live with Belgian students: “The most common student accommodation in Belgium is called kot, which is typically a shared house near the campus. If you have the opportunity to live in a kot with local students, definitely go for it!  

“Making friends in a new city can be daunting, and living in a common accommodation really helps you to mingle with locals and forces you to get out of your comfort zone.  

You may not need to be able to speak the local language for your degree, but learning some basic phrases can help with day-to-day life and make socialising with local students easier. 

Enej said: “I learned Dutch at Linguapolis, the language centre of UAntwerp. I found that, although more or less everyone in Antwerp is fluent in English, speaking Dutch really helped me socialise with locals and open up opportunities for better internships during my studies.  

“Plus, it shows respect for the local culture and helps you build deeper connections with the people around you.  

“You can also use language apps to learn and practise the local language. Don’t be scared of making mistakes and just go for it!” 

Among all the challenges of adapting to living in a new country, it’s important to still take care of yourself both physically and mentally. Getting out of your accommodation and taking part in some physical activity can help you explore your new home and also meet some new friends with similar interests. 

In Enej’s case, sport was a way to meet friends and bond over shared interests: “Through the university’s sport activities, I started boxing one year ago, which eventually became one of the biggest passions in my life. My friends and I also started a really fun volleyball class.  

“Practically everyone rides a bike here, regardless of the season or even weather conditions! It is really a convenient, easy and very cheap way to move around the city and do some physical activity along with it as well.” 

Of course, it’s not just your physical health which needs looking after when moving to a new country. Make sure you’re also taking advantage of any mental health facilities at the university, particularly as the challenges of adapting to living abroad aren’t always straightforward or easy to process by yourself. 

Enej said: “Be aware of all the challenges that come with moving abroad to study in a new environment. It’s a rollercoaster ride, which means along with the highs there will definitely be lows too. You don’t need to do this alone, so don’t be reluctant to take advantage of the psychological support offered through the university. 

“Every autumn, we have Mind Matters Week which puts discussions around mental health front and centre. There are also therapy dogs present on campuses for you to pet, hence making the event really fun and unique as well!” 

If you’re struggling to find like-minded people with the same interests or background as you, consider exploring the range of student clubs and societies at your university. These often cover a vast range of topics and interests and hold regular social activities, making them a fantastic way to meet new friends and to make your new environment feel more like home. 

Enej said: “Many universities have specific clubs that connect international students, international staff and their family members as well. This is MONDO at the University of Antwerp, which organises different social activities each month. Some of the highlights from last year were the chocolate workshop, a boat trip across the port and a traditional Christmas market visit.” 

Finally, try to remember why you decided to study abroad in the first place and don’t lose sight of the adventure you hoped it would be. This experience will be a fantastic step towards accomplishing your long-term goals.  

In Enej’s case, studying in Belgium opened him up to career opportunities that he’s keen to embrace: “For me, Antwerp is a truly international city with plenty of job opportunities and so many international students. So, I have decided to stay in this city or Belgium after graduation.”