The plane touches down. You step into a new country, suitcase in hand, excitement racing through your chest, and suddenly it hits you: now what? The first 48 hours abroad can feel like a whirlwind. Between jet lag, new surroundings, and the pressure to get your...
How to Beat Jet Lag, Homesickness, and Week 1 Wobbles | Jubeerich Study Abbroad
Your Guide to Staying Grounded While Everything Around You Changes
The excitement of moving abroad for higher education can quickly shift into uncertainty once you land. For many Indian students studying abroad, the first week can be physically draining, emotionally confusing, and mentally overwhelming. From struggling with jet lag and homesickness to dealing with culture shock, this is a phase most students are unprepared for. Jubeerich Study Abroad Education Consultants helps you through this process with our experience and expertise.
But here’s the good news: it’s all part of the process, and it gets better — especially when you have the right tools, support, and mindset.
This guide offers practical tips for Indian students to overcome common emotional and physical challenges in the early days of their study abroad journey.
Jet Lag Tips for Indian Students: Resetting Your Body Clock
Flying across time zones can disrupt your body’s natural rhythm. Jet lag is more than just tiredness — it can cause insomnia, headaches, low energy, poor digestion, and mood swings. For Indian students in the USA, Canada, UK, or Australia, the time difference can be significant.
How to Beat Jet Lag:
- Shift your sleep cycle early: A few days before your flight, adjust your sleep and meal timings to match your destination.
- Hydrate smartly: Drink lots of water during your flight and avoid coffee or alcohol, which can worsen dehydration.
- Adapt fast: Get sunlight and fresh air upon arrival. Try staying awake until the local bedtime, even if you feel tired.
- Sleep support tools: Use melatonin (with a doctor’s advice) or sleep apps like Timeshifter, Sleep Cycle, or Calmto regulate your circadian rhythm.
- Quick resets: A warm shower, light stretching, or a 20-minute nap can refresh your body without throwing off your sleep schedule.
Jet lag recovery can take a couple of days, but your body will catch up. Use this time to slowly ease into your new routine.
Coping With Homesickness Abroad: Finding Comfort in a New Place
Feeling homesick isn’t a weakness — it’s a reflection of your connection to home. Many Indian students abroad experience emotional dips, especially when the excitement of landing wears off and daily life begins. Jubeerich Study Abroad Education Consultants in this guide explains how students can manage such states of experience.
Healthy Ways to Cope With Homesickness:
- Stay connected—but not constantly: Schedule daily or alternate-day calls with family, but avoid endless scrolling through WhatsApp or Instagram.
- Recreate routines: Cook your favorite Indian meals, light a diya in the evening, or listen to home-language music.
- Journaling helps: Writing down your thoughts, emotions, and experiences offers clarity and emotional relief.
- Make your space feel like home: Decorate your room with photos, posters, your favorite shawl, or comforting items.
- Seek emotional support: Most universities offer free counselling services for international students. Use them if you’re feeling persistently low.
These small steps can make a big difference in helping you stay rooted while adapting to a new life.
📞 Need help settling in emotionally or academically? Book a one-on-one with your Jubeerich Study Abroad Education Consultants advisor — we’ll guide you through it.
First Week Tips for International Students: Navigating Week 1 Wobbles
Even the most prepared students feel off-balance during the first week. You might question your decision, feel culture shock, or feel isolated. These are the “Week 1 Wobbles” — and they are 100% normal.
How to Adjust to a New Country for Study:
- Stick to the orientation schedule: Attend welcome events, tours, and meet-and-greets — these offer structure and social opportunities.
- Explore with purpose: Find your nearest Indian grocery store, pharmacy, or café. Knowing your surroundings builds confidence.
- Be open-minded: Food, habits, and attitudes may be different — not better or worse. Embrace the learning.
- Start conversations: A simple “Hi, I’m from India” is often enough to break the ice. Most students are looking for connection too.
- Move your body: Even a short daily walk helps manage stress and boosts your mood.
These small, consistent actions help you take control of your environment, reduce anxiety, and feel more at home.
Bonus Tips for Indian Students Abroad
- Pack a comfort kit: Include Ayurvedic balms, Parle-G, Maggi, a soft shawl, or your favorite book. Small familiar things offer big emotional comfort.
- Learn key phrases in the local language: Even a simple “hello” or “thank you” shows effort and earns goodwill.
- Don’t compare constantly: Accept that things will be different — it’s part of the growth you signed up for.
Study Abroad Mental Health Tips: You Are Not Alone
Mental well-being is a crucial part of success abroad. Whether it’s jet lag, homesickness, or culture shock, these emotional dips are manageable with awareness, support, and the right actions.
If you ever feel persistently anxious or overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to your university’s student support team. Counsellors, student mentors, and international student offices are all there to help you thrive.
“Feeling overwhelmed is part of the journey — thriving is the goal.”
Final Word from Jubeerich Study Abroad
At Jubeerich Study Abroad Education Consultants, we don’t just help you get your visa and admission — we walk with you through every stage of your journey. From pre-departure prep to mental health tips, our counsellors are committed to your success and well-being abroad.
🌐 Visit www.jubeerich.com or talk to your advisor today for destination-specific support and wellness resources.
📢 Share This With a Friend Headed Abroad
Know someone flying out next month? Send this guide their way or tag them in the comments below. Every Indian student deserves a soft landing.
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