What is culture shock?
Culture shock is a common response to living in a new country, and support is available if you feel overwhelmed or unsettled.
It is normal to feel overwhelmed when you first arrive in a new country. During the first few weeks, you may be adjusting to a new environment, new routines, and different written and unwritten customs.
For some students, this feeling of not knowing what is happening can lead to isolation, sadness, or depression. This is known as culture shock.
Warning signs:You may be experiencing culture shock if you:
- Feel unusually irritable.
- Sleep too much or too little.
- Eat much more or much less than usual.
- Find it hard to trust people around you.
- Stay in your room watching TV or online content most of the time.
- Start missing classes.
- Cry often without a clear reason.
- Worry about not keeping up with your study plan.
- Spend many nights out socialising.
- Have frequent unexplained stomach aches, headaches, or other physical symptoms.
If you notice any of these signs and feel worried, please talk to someone from the Wellbeing Team.
It is okay to ask for help! The Wellbeing Team will understand and can support you.