Feeling low or homesick
Homesickness, stress and low mood: what helps, who to talk to in the UK, and what we can do on the homestay side.

Most students feel low at some point in their stay. New city, new language, a different home, and your usual people a long way off. It is normal, and it usually passes, but you don’t have to wait it out on your own.
This page covers homesickness, stress and low mood: what helps, who you can talk to in the UK, and what we can do on the homestay side.
At a glance
- Immediate danger, or you feel you might harm yourself: call 999 or go to A&E.
- Urgent help but not an emergency: call NHS 111.
- Someone to talk to, any time: Samaritans 116 123 (free, 24/7).
- If you would rather text: text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7).
- London Homestays: email info@londonhomestays.com or call 020 8395 0333 (phones 11am–3pm, Mon–Fri).
If you are currently in a London Homestays placement, your booking confirmation includes out-of-hours welfare contact details for urgent situations outside office hours. We do not publish emergency mobile numbers on the website.
What it can feel like
Homesickness is not only missing home. It can show up as tiredness, trouble sleeping, not wanting to go out, crying more than usual, getting annoyed about small things, or feeling flat for no clear reason. Some students feel it in the first few weeks. Others feel fine at first and hit a low point later, often after the excitement wears off or when the weather turns grey.
Stress from exams, money or visa paperwork can feel the same. So can a bad week with friends, or news from home that you can’t do anything about from here.
Small things that help
- Keep a simple routine: get up, eat breakfast, go out at least once a day.
- Eat with your host family when you can. Dinner is a good time to talk, even about nothing in particular.
- Call home at a set time, not all day. Lots of short calls can make missing home harder.
- Get some daylight and walk. London’s parks are free and never far away.
- Say yes to one thing a week: a class trip, a club, a coffee with someone from your course.
- Go easy on alcohol. It makes low moods lower.
Talk to someone in the UK
You don’t need a big reason to talk to someone. It is easier to help early than when things have built up.
- Your host. Hosts have seen plenty of students through their first months, so telling them you’re having a hard week is fine.
- Your school or university. Most have a welfare or student support team, and many offer free counselling.
- A doctor (GP). If you are registered with a GP, you can book an appointment about how you’re feeling. A GP can also tell you about NHS Talking Therapies, the free NHS service for anxiety and low mood.
- Your agent or guardian, if you have one.
- Us. If you don’t feel able to raise something with your host, tell us and we will handle it gently.
What we can help with
We are an accommodation agency, not a counselling service, but we can help with the homestay side, for example:
- talking to your host for you, if you would rather not explain it yourself
- sorting out small things that make a difference, such as meal times, a quieter space to study, or how the house rules work
- looking at another homestay if the home is not the right fit for you
- liaising with your school, agent or guardian, so you don’t have to repeat yourself
If you are under 18
Please tell your host, your guardian or your school’s safeguarding lead if you are struggling. You can also contact our safeguarding team at safeguarding@londonhomestays.com. We will always act on a concern about your safety.
Support you can reach in the UK
Samaritans (24/7)
Call 116 123 for free, any time, about anything that is troubling you.
Website: samaritans.org
Shout (24/7, text)
Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support by text message.
Website: giveusashout.org
Mind
Mind’s Infoline gives information about mental health and where to get help: 0300 123 3393, 9am–6pm, Monday to Friday.
Website: mind.org.uk
NHS mental health services
The NHS explains how to get help for anxiety, stress and low mood, including NHS Talking Therapies and when to call 111.
Website: nhs.uk — mental health services
Contact us
- Email: info@londonhomestays.com
- Phone: 020 8395 0333 (phones 11am–3pm, Monday–Friday)
If you are 18 or over, we will ask for your permission before discussing your situation with anyone else (including family), unless there is an immediate welfare concern.
If you have lost someone while you are away, our page on bereavement support covers that in more detail.
Related information
- If you’ve lost someone while you’re away from home
- Safety & safeguarding
- Contact us — we are here to help


