Entering university is often seen as an exciting time. However, it can also be a challenging
time for students who may have moved away from their social support base and are learning
to adapt to a new environment. Feeling homesick can involve a sense of loneliness,
sadness, confusion, fear, and preoccupation with thoughts about home. It can also be
similar to a grief reaction as students become separated from family and close friends and
feel a sense of loss of people, of places, and of familiar routines. These reactions may
contribute to greater difficulty in adjusting to the new environment. If students are from
another country, they may experience difficulties adjusting to the new climate, unfamiliar
setting, accommodation, transportation, safety issues, and the unfamiliar types of food. The
Australian culture may be very different from what you are used to and it can be challenging
to learn about the different values and beliefs. Some students may also encounter racial
discrimination and difficulties adjusting to the new cultural norms. Financial concerns may
also add to the stress of adjustment as many costs can be involved at the start of the
university career. A further difficulty for some students can be that of language as for many,
English is not a first language. Not only do students have to adjust to the learning
environment where lectures and assignments need to be in English, but they also have to
use English to socialise and make new friends which can be a daunting experience.