Written by Ravindu
26 Jan 2025
Homesickness is a universal experience for international students. No matter how exciting or adventurous moving abroad feels, there are moments when you miss the comfort of home—the familiar faces, the warm meals, and even the casual arguments over the last piece of cake. If you’re close with your family, creating a family group chat before you leave is a surprisingly fun and effective way to cope with those moments of longing. It keeps you connected to the people you love most, no matter how far apart you are.
1. Saying Good Morning, Even Across Continents
A family group chat lets you start your day with warmth. Imagine waking up to your mom’s cheerful “Good morning” while you sip coffee, even though she’s halfway across the globe. It’s a small but powerful reminder that they’re just a message away.
2. Sharing Your Culinary Experiments
From overcooking your delicate rice to proudly showing off your delicious-looking pasta, your family will cheer you on—or tease you mercilessly—through your culinary journey abroad.
3. Reporting the Daily Weather Struggles
Sweden’s cold is no joke, and your family group chat becomes the perfect outlet to complain about it. Share screenshots from your weather app showing -12°C temperatures or the never-ending snowfall for extra drama. Share pictures of snowy streets and video-call them in the middle snowfall.
4. Enjoying Life’s Simple Pleasures Together
Even miles apart, you can still share life’s little joys. A rare pink sunrise in the middle of winter or the beauty of fresh snow on pine trees feels extra special when you know your family is enjoying it with you through photos and texts.
5. Celebrating Accomplishments
Whether it’s acing a big exam, nailing a presentation, or simply surviving your first winter abroad, your family group chat becomes your personal cheering squad. It also allows you to celebrate their wins, like your siblings acing their exams or landing a position at a prestigious firm. Their pride and encouragement feel just as genuine over a screen.
6. Sharing Anxiety During Stressful Situations
From getting caught in a snowstorm to being stranded in an unfamiliar city because of train cancellations, stressful moments are inevitable. Your family’s advice or even a simple “You’ve got this!” can be the calm you need to keep going
7. Receiving Dad’s Timeless Advice
Creating a family group chat might seem like a small gesture, but it’s one that makes a huge difference. It keeps you grounded, gives you a support system, and allows you to share your life abroad with the people who care about you most. So, before you pack your bags and head off on your big adventure, set up that group chat. Trust me—it’ll make the journey feel a lot less lonely.
