Possible symptoms of culture shock can include health problems like headaches or stomach aches, difficulties concentrating or you may become more emotional.
Some of the things you can do to minimise the effects of culture shock include:
- simply understanding that this is a normal experience may in itself be helpful
- keeping in touch with home, eg call home, read newspapers from your home country, or have familiar things around you (e.g. photographs of family and friends)
- finding out where you can buy food you are familiar with
- making friends with other international students who are likely to go or have gone through a similar experience
- taking advantage of the University's support services
Current students' tips what to bring from home:
Chinese student: Your bed sheet... it's the only thing you would feel comfortable and safe when you come to a new place.
Japanese student: I find bringing a laptop useful, especially if you want to send e-mails in your own language. Photos, DVDs or books are good reminder of home.
Bulgarian PhD student: An umbrella, I suppose! Seriously, the latest photos of family and friends, especially photos taken at parties - it helps when you get homesick.