The unseen mental health pressures of studying away from home
March 12, 2026
8 minute read: This University Mental Health Day, #WeAreInternational Student Ambassador Saba Movahed Nia, originally from Iran, tells us about some of the challenges international students face, and what has helped her during her time studying at Queen Mary University of London.
Studying abroad is often seen as an exciting and even a life changing experience. It truly can be. While studying abroad remains a positive memory for many, with time we often remember only the joyful moments and overlook the challenges international students were dealing with at the time. It is always worth mentioning that the experience also comes with unique pressures and challenges that can significantly affect their mental health in ways that are not visible. From immigration rules to cultural adjustment, the pressures of living and studying in a new country can quickly add up.
Feeling alone in a new environment
Firstly, moving to a new country means leaving behind familiar support systems. The things that were once closest to someone’s heart like friends, family, language or culture, can suddenly feel very far away.
Simple things like humour or even communication styles can feel unfamiliar at first. Naturally, many international students try to find comfort by connecting with people from the same language or cultural background. During my induction week, attending events hosted by the university allowed me to meet many other international students, including those from the same background as me. Queen Mary is quite an international university, so finding a community was easier than I initially expected. As an international student myself, these communities may feel incredibly supportive, but I also observe that there are still circumstances where students may struggle with feelings of loneliness while adjusting to a completely new environment.
In these moments, I have come to understand that adjusting to a new environment is a gradual process especially during my first year of undergraduate studies in the UK.
Acknowledging that these feelings are a normal part of the experience has helped me approach them with more patience and self-understanding.
While my initial reactions to simple activities were often cynical, spending time on my own gradually helped me reshape this period by giving myself opportunities to discover new things about myself. This sometimes meant small steps, such as exploring a sense of personal style, trying cuisines I had always wanted to experience, attending activities on my own, or visiting different cities nearby. After all, the cliché of ‘new place new me’ can sometimes be true, and studying abroad is perhaps one of the best examples of this.
In my first year I tried to step out of my comfort zone by volunteering at my university and within the wider community in different roles, such as being a course representative or a volunteer interpreter at a local refugee and migrant centre. These experiences helped me become more comfortable in my communication style and gradually build a stronger sense of belonging, a foundation that has continued to support me through my master’s studies.
Immigration stress
One of the many issues international students must constantly consider is their visa status. There are strict rules around maintaining full-time study, attendance, and working hours. Even small administrative issues can feel stressful because of the potential consequences. I remember being stressed over attendance system malfunctions. Trying to keep up with the uncertainty around future visas, and post-study work opportunities can also create long-term anxiety about what will happen after graduation.
Personally, I have found that seeking support from friends makes the process feel more manageable, as we get to cope with similar situations together.
Cost of living crisis
Over the years, the cost of living has increased significantly in the UK. International students pay higher tuition fees while also covering accommodation, food, transportation and visa-related expenses.
Because international students are usually limited to working 20 hours during term time, managing these costs can be difficult. For some students, there is also the emotional pressure of knowing their families are making significant financial sacrifices to support their education.
Worrying about home while living abroad
For many international students, studying in the UK does not mean disconnecting from what is happening at home. Geopolitical conflicts, political tensions or economic instability in their home countries can create constant worry about their society, family and loved ones.
While homesickness is one of the first challenges international students face, these circumstances bring additional sets of challenges that affect mental health. Receiving difficult news from home while keeping up with daily life abroad can be emotionally exhausting, and its impact is not limited to coursework and deadlines. Sometimes even the act of grabbing a coffee with a friend can feel emotionally heavy for students.
As an Iranian student, I have also experienced how keeping up with news from home while continuing my studies in the UK can feel emotionally difficult as we experience fear, grief and stress. At times, internet blackouts have made it impossible to stay connected with friends and family, which can make the distance feel even heavier. On the other hand, being far away can create a feeling of helplessness and a sense of guilt as you are safe while your community is experiencing hardship, and you cannot be present with your loved ones.
In these moments, open conversations with friends and the university community have helped me navigate these emotions and cope with these feelings, as it also allows me to raise awareness to others about experiences of Iranians and also other students like me.
My experience highlights the importance of how tailored support can be useful, as general advice can sometimes intensify these feelings for students rather than effectively supporting. Sometimes simply having spaces for open conversations within the community, where students feel acknowledged and heard, can be just as meaningful as formal mental health support.
Why this conversation matters
Although universities offer mental health services and the awareness around mental health is increasing, international students may sometimes feel that these services do not fully understand their experiences. As a result, this may risk invalidating their experiences. Some international students may still feel out of place or disconnected from the wider university community, which is completely valid. In these cases, solution-oriented advice or wellbeing support may even be overshadowed by the value of just acknowledging hardship and empathising.
Cultural differences in how mental health is discussed, language barriers or uncertainty about how support services work can make it harder to reach out for help.
Alongside cultural differences or stigma around mental health, gendered assumptions remain prevalent towards seeking help. These assumptions are part of a wider social pattern and do not necessarily reflect any one culture or country.
International students bring so much to university communities: new perspectives, languages, cultures and experiences.
It is important to recognise that studying far from home can come with unique emotional challenges, and this can intersect with hardship in accessing support tailored for these situations. However, it is also very important to remember that these experiences should not be viewed from a culturally “othered” perspective but understood as natural and valid.
Creating supportive spaces where international students feel comfortable sharing their experiences can make a big difference. Whether it’s through friendships, student societies, or support services, knowing that someone understands can help students feel less alone in navigating life abroad. Sometimes, simply listening and being open to one another’s experiences can go a long way.
For advice on managing your mental health at University and where to access support, visit our student advice page Mental health support in the UK.
Interested in other international student experiences and examples of institutions supporting students wellbeing and mental health? Read other first hand blogs and opinion pieces:
- Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine: creating a supportive environment for postgraduate students
- Experiences of managing mental health through grief
- University support services should clearly communicate that helping hands are located across campus
- Taking care of your mental health as an international student
