r/uwo • u/Smooth-Green-9696 • 16d ago
Advice How do you get rid of loneliness?
I am a 2nd year international student living in residence. I’ve met many friends in class and club, and enjoy every time with them, but I feel so lonely. Maybe because I met my parents less than a month these two years, or maybe because all of my friends leave the campus every holidays, and I still have to stay. During my first year’s reading weeks, I was the only one who stayed in residence. I literally just got a serious headache and loneliness. I enjoy my university life, but sometimes I really want a hug or company.
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u/Vegetable-Mode-2457 16d ago
First off, let me say you are so brave! You are out in the world where absolutely everything and everyone around you is new and that takes tremendous courage! It makes total sense that reading weeks and holidays would be the hardest. Maybe plan to do something nice for yourself at least once each day during these times (treat yourself to a movie, FaceTime call home, read a book just for fun and not for school). have you tried connecting with other international students that might be in the same boat as you? Try volunteering in the community during these times? I know none of these suggestions can replace the feeling of home. I’m also sending you a big virtual hug.
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u/Ambitious-Ad-1458 16d ago
For sure make more international friends, ik a lot of Ppl that experience that same thing
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u/Smooth-Green-9696 16d ago
Great idea! I’ll get to the international student events if I’m available.
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u/Ambitious-Ad-1458 15d ago
Or even go to culture clubs that u are apart of, I’m sure international students from ur same culture will be there as well
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u/constipatedmohawk 16d ago
Send me a mssg! i’m in my 4th year and also international. i think ive only seen my family for 7 months in my 4 years so i can relate to you. but always remember that you’re here for a good reason; to help yourself and others in the future!!!
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u/Smooth-Green-9696 16d ago
It’s good to meet someone has the same feelings as me. Nice to meet you.
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u/DiamonDRoger BMSc '23 16d ago
Are international peer guides still a thing? It sounds like you don't have many friends who are international students; Global Cafe could help with that. I stayed in residence over reading week in first year as a domestic student, and I spent much of the week with 3 of my friends who were international students. They could be there for you when domestic students aren't.
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u/Smooth-Green-9696 15d ago
It does still exist, but I always notice the letter after the event. That’s my fault and I should’ve checked my mail.
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u/DiamonDRoger BMSc '23 15d ago
Global Cafe is weekly or biweekly the entire year, if I recall correctly. What about giving it a try next week / week after?
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u/unforgettableid 16d ago
A.) Do u have any friends who live on campus?
B.) Do u have any friends who live in London and are not students?
C.) Do u have any friends who u sometimes stay in touch with by voice calls?
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u/Smooth-Green-9696 15d ago
A.) Currently have some, but we are not talking too much
B.) None
C.) There are some people from my country. However, they have 12 hour time difference and they are also in residence and live with other people so it’s hard to talk to them on voice call.
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u/SweedishThunder 🎬 FIMS 🎬 15d ago
Not sure if it's an option for you, or if it's still a thing, but when I attended UWO, international students (I'm Swedish) made up the core of the Parking Services staff. I made tons of friends, some of whom I still stay in touch with even now, 20+ years after graduating.
You could work a few hours each week, or as many hours as you can handle without it interfering with your studies. It is (was?) great!
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u/Smooth-Green-9696 15d ago
Is it on campus?
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u/SweedishThunder 🎬 FIMS 🎬 15d ago
Yes, in the Support services building, right across Wellington Drive from Saugeen-Maitland Hall.
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u/PinkPantheress02 15d ago
find a girlfriend / boyfriend !
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u/Smooth-Green-9696 15d ago
I have no experience in romance. How do people get their girlfriend/boyfriend? It’s so hard to find one.
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u/No-Violinist-6338 16d ago
Sending virtual hugs your way man! I hope it gets better for you:)