I am studying abroad in Sydney, Australia this semester, and the homesickness has been especially hard this time around. The time zone difference is immense, and that’s one thing that never gets easier. As Australia is so far from the rest of the world, it’s normal to feel isolated here.
During my study abroad at The University of Sydney, I decided to try out some campus clubs and sports. Getting involved on campus is one of the easiest ways to make friends, and learn some new skills. I joined the University of Sydney Cheer team, as well as the gymnastics club, and this has been one of the best decisions I have made while studying abroad. I feel more assimilated to the campus, and having a larger life here has lessened some of the homesickness. This is my fourth study abroad, and although it is the farthest from home I have been and my longest program, its the one I feel most at home at.
While it may seem daunting to try new things or to join these groups, being a part of them is worth it.
Here’s some tips and ways to get involved on campus
1. Join a sports club/team
Many universities have recreational sports you can join, even if you’re only a semester student. Check your universities sports/ athletics website or search for specific clubs/ sports online prior to leaving for study abroad! Some sports clubs do have a “join by” date, so be sure to check early if this is something you are interested in! I actually found out about the gymnastics club through instagram, and the cheer team through them.
2. Join other clubs/ societies
A lot of times, clubs will have an instagram page or will hang QR codes in related buildings, so be sure to be on the lookout for those. Also, if you ask around in your classes people often have suggestions of clubs to join.
3. Check out your student union
Student Unions at International Universities often have events you can go to, which are great for meeting new people and finding ways to get involved.
4. Volunteer at University or local events
Volunteering at University or local events is a great way to get involved with the community, as well as network. This semester, I have been volunteering with the city marathons, which has been a great way to get out and get involved. We volunteered as a group with the USYD Cheer!
The most important thing is to have fun, and join something that you’re interested in. At first, you may feel like an outsider in these events and activities, but if you keep showing up you’ll quickly feel like part of the group. When I first joined the gymnastics club, everyone already knew each other, and it felt awkward to just show up and to try and join in. Now, I don’t feel like an outsider, I feel like part of the group. Joining these societies has allowed me to connect with people I would have never met otherwise. We all have different study programs, and are interested in a variety of different things. It’s good to go out of your comfort zone, you’ll probably be better off.
