Lonely

[Bini7]

Hello i am 25 year old nursing international student with no family and friends here in Melbourne Australian.I feel really lonely and isolated.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Bini7

I can certainly understand your feelings of loneliness and isolation. It takes time to settle in a new country and feel comfortable and I know it’s not easy.

I moved to Australia over 30 years ago, but clearly remember feeling the same as you do in my early years. What really helped me was to make local connections.
I’d like to encourage you to see if your university offers any clubs or sports that interest you and consider joining. I think you may find that there are a lot of students feeling just like you, and you may find people eager to make a new friend.

Neighbours and roommates can also help to fill the void. 
Another way to make connections is through paid or volunteer work. I appreciate that you may not have a lot of time, but it’s an option.
Many cultures have churches, associations and clubs in Australia and if you feel that it would help to mix with people from your home country this could help ease the loneliness.

Please, try to remember that you are both intelligent and brave, and these attributes got you here. You can do this. Give yourself time and lots of care. 
Kind thoughts to you

[girlonsafari]

Hey Bini7!

Good on you for reaching out. It's hard to admit that you're feeling lonely.

Firstly, moving to a new country to study is awesome AND hard. Go you! You are courageous for taking such a big step. I agree with Summer Rose that it takes time and patience to settle in and build a community. Hang in there! 

I know of some resources for international students and have listed some ideas below. Apologies if you know about them already...

Being an international student in Melbourne — there are lots of ways for you to connect with community and make new friends! There is quite a big international student community there — if you're at university, there are international student associations to support you. 

Safe online social groups is a great way to meet new people — there are a few groups based in Melbourne. 

Hope this helps, Bini7. You're doing great. Be patient with yourself and remind yourself of your courage and tenacity to take on this amazing challenge.

x