Lea Jauris
Winter has come to the UK and the country has started its preparations and celebrations for the most awaited event of the year: Christmas.
Homesick
Christmas is a time for people to spend with their family and friends, but many people won’t be able to do so this year.
The rising cost of living not only means cutting down on the groceries list and pub visits, but for most international students it means that they will not be celebrating the holidays with their family and friends back home.
“It is a tradition that my family has followed for years. I am very sorry to miss it this year”
Aiswarya Hariprasad, a student from Scotland said, “Christmas is the time when my whole family gathers together and takes part in all the events happening in the city, decorate our homes and go to the beach on the 25th of December. It is a tradition that my family has followed for years. I am very sorry to miss it this year, but currently, I cannot afford such a trip as this unexpected rise in prices has left me with very little money to spare”
Numerous students feel this way, having to miss out on family traditions, holiday celebrations, or even just a chance to get together with loved ones. Vineeth V, a student from London said, “I was really looking forward to going home for Christmas, but the reality of things makes it impractical for me to travel all the way back home, and I cannot afford to not work for the holidays as I would need the money to support my expenses here after the holiday.”
New experiences
While the country is decked with lights and decorations and events to welcome Christmas, students deprived of the opportunity to visit home are ambivalent about this year’s holidays. Somme Yom, a student from Leeds said: “I am having mixed feelings because Christmas back home is very exciting – everyone is present and there is a lot of family time together. But here it will be lonely because I live alone. Still, I am excited as I love trying new things, and this is certainly a new experience for me.”
“I am excited to see what Leeds has to offer for Christmas”
Even though the students feel lonely and sad since they cannot go home this Christmas, they are ready to celebrate the holidays in their new homes. Gokul Raj, a student from Leeds said: “Even though I feel really bad about missing Christmas at home, I know that it will be alright as I can celebrate it with my friends here. I am excited to see what Leeds has to offer for Christmas. Although, I feel it would have been amazing if there were any discounts or grants for students to travel this holiday, given the state of things in the country today.”
International students in the UK are facing unprecedented economic conditions in their lives. While it is hard for everyone, it is considerably harder for the students who were looking forward to a relaxed holiday back at their homes. Nevertheless, the students are trying to adopt a positive attitude and bring the celebrations to their new friends in the land they now call home.
Featured image courtesy of Paola Chaaya on Unsplash. Image license can be found here. No changes were made to this image.
