My solution is to take a quick trip home without ever leaving my room. I brought my rubab (a traditional stringed Pakistani instrument) with me.

Whenever I feel that familiar sense of anxiety or homesickness creeping in, I put my books down, take a break, and play my rubab. The sounds and the feeling of the instrument in my hands instantly transport me back to my home and family. It’s a simple, powerful way to center myself, feel grounded, and recharge before diving back into university life.

If you're an international student struggling with the transition, my tip is to find your own 'sound of home' whether it's a piece of music, a special dish, or an item that connects you to your roots. Taking a small, intentional break like this can make a huge difference!

But believe that having courage doesn't mean that you're fearless; having courage means you're doing it along with the fear.

That's when you know you'll grow.

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed or down sometimes (university is intense!), but managing stress doesn’t require huge changes. I find that simple things like walking outside are an easy and realistic way of looking after myself, but make a big difference in the end.

I also make a comforting meal (usually pasta), light a candle, and remind myself I’ve survived 100% of my bad days so far and this one’s no different. I FaceTime a friend from home to help me get through it

1. Have I eaten?

2. Have I had enough water?

3. Have I cleaned myself?

4. Have I cleaned my environment?

5. Have I slept enough?

6. Have I socialised enough? (or too much)

I find that taking it back to my basic human need helps me ground myself, and it helps me form a stable foundation to get over my wobble.

After all, how can I stress about academic success when I’ve not looked after my basic needs?

What helped was slowing down and being honest with myself. I started going for small walks around campus, even when I did not feel like it, just to clear my head. I would listen to music, focus on my breathing, and remind myself that I was not alone, that most of us have days where things feel unsteady. Talking to friends helped too, not necessarily for advice, but for that quiet understanding that comes from being listened to.

I also began writing down little things I was grateful for, like a kind word from someone, a good cup of tea, or sunlight through my window. It did not fix everything overnight, but it gave me perspective. Slowly, I stopped seeing my wobbles as failures and started to see them as signs that I am human, learning and growing.

Over time, I found a few things that made a real difference. Keeping a routine helped me feel more grounded, even if it was something small like making my bed or planning my day. Getting enough sleep and eating properly made more of a difference than I expected. I tried to spend less time scrolling on my phone when I felt low, and more time doing something simple but positive like reading, cooking, or going outside.

I also started doing breathing exercises when I felt anxious, which helped calm my thoughts and bring me back to the moment. Sometimes, I would buy myself a small sweet treat or reward for getting through the day, just as a reminder that little wins matter. Another thing that lifted my mood was writing positive quotes or kind messages on post-it notes and sticking them on my mirror. Seeing those words each morning while getting ready for uni gave me a quiet boost and reminded me to keep going.

If you are having one of those days, be gentle with yourself. Take things one step at a time, reach out to someone, rest when you need to, and do something kind for yourself. Remember that everyone wobbles now and then, and that it is part of growing and finding balance. Wobbles do not last forever, and when they pass, you often realise you have become stronger for having faced them.

When I feel lost, I sink into my children’s hugs and instantly recharge. Their warmth, laughter, and honesty bring me back to the moment where I don’t have to be perfect, I just have to be.

Ps: Every thing you love was once just an idea/dream