How to Deal with Loneliness While Settling in Australia
Moving to a new country comes with both hope and hardship. If you are feeling the emotional weight of starting fresh, you are not alone. This blog is a gentle guide to recognising loneliness, taking small steps toward connection, and beginning to feel at home again.
You didn’t expect it, and you probably haven’t even acknowledged it yet. But the feeling of loneliness while settling in Australia is real.
No, it is not just homesickness. It runs deeper than that. You are rebuilding your life in a new place- and that takes a toll.
Everyone around you is a stranger. Yet somehow, you are supposed to find “your people” – the ones who get you, in this sea of unfamiliar faces on an unfamiliar land.
The road to finding not just a home, but belonging, is a road that leads to loneliness.
But it does not have to be that way. In this blog, we will explore how to deal with loneliness while settling in Australia, and how connection, even in small steps, can begin to change things.
Recognising Loneliness
Before addressing loneliness, it’s important to understand how it manifests. Loneliness can feel like:
- Emotional disconnection from those around you.
- A lack of enjoyment in activities you used to love.
- Feeling hesitant or unmotivated to meet new people.
- Persistent sadness or anxiety.
If these feelings resonate, know that they are valid and part of the human experience. More importantly, they can be overcome by implementing strategies that help you build a support system and community.
How to Recognise Loneliness as a Newcomer in Australia
But before we talk about how to change things, let’s talk about how to notice them.
A new life on a new land comes with a lot of movement – physically, mentally and emotionally. And amidst all that chaos, it is easy to miss the signs of loneliness, especially when it has a habit of sneaking in unannounced.
You would be going about your day, busy as usual, but something seems off. Something you can’t really name. The lingering feeling that although you have found your new place, new life, you don’t quite yet belong.
This feeling doesn’t always look the same. It could look like being isolated, but it also takes so many other, subtle forms:
- Being surrounded, but not seen: You have acquired quite a few acquaintances in the new country, but there’s an emotional disconnect that you can’t fully understand.
- A loss of interest: Things that used to bring you joy now feel flat, like you are just going through the motions. You often feel like someone put you on autopilot.
- Reluctance to reach out: You want to connect, but the idea feels exhausting or pointless.
- The lingering sadness: Things are going as well as you would expect them to be. Yet, there’s this deep sadness inside you that doesn’t seem to go away, no matter what.
So why does this sadness linger, even when everything seems to be going like you wanted it to?
Why Loneliness is Common Among Newcomers
Settling into life in Australia presents a range of unique challenges. For students, professionals, and families alike, the initial excitement of moving often gives way to feelings of isolation. Factors contributing to loneliness may include:
- Cultural Adjustment: Adapting to Australian norms, accents, and slang can feel overwhelming.
- Separation from Family: Being away from loved ones amplifies feelings of disconnection.
- Geographic Isolation: Those in rural or suburban areas may face limited opportunities for socialising.
- Starting Over: Building a new social circle requires patience, confidence, and time.
A recent study revealed that one in four Australians experiences loneliness, with new migrants and students being particularly vulnerable. However, it’s important to remember that loneliness is not a permanent state, it’s a signal that you need to take action toward connections and how to deal with loneliness while settling in Australia.
Why So Many Newcomers to Australia Feel Lonely
The idea of a better life, better education or starting afresh seemed so enticing. You were excited, you wanted this life. But somehow somewhere, that excitement gave way to loneliness and isolation. And you are left wondering, why?
This is the life you always wanted, you worked so hard for it, why do you feel this way now? The answer isn’t really that complicated at all. It happens because:
- Everything is unfamiliar: From the slang to the supermarkets, it takes time to understand how things work, and even longer to feel like you fit in.
- Your support system is far away: Calls and messages help, but they do not fill the silence at dinner, or the space beside you on a weekend walk.
- You are starting from scratch: Building a new social circle is not as simple as just “putting yourself out there”. It takes energy, time, confidence, and opportunities, all at once.
- Distance makes it harder: Living in a suburb or regional town makes it even harder to meet people casually.
But you are not alone in this. One in three Australians experiences loneliness at some point in their life. And the numbers are higher for students and immigrants.
This might seem like a grim picture. But it is not. Because this isn’t permanent and it doesn’t define you. You can beat loneliness, maybe not all at once, but one small step at a time.
How to Deal with Loneliness While Settling in Australia
So what does that first small step look like?
There is no set script; it can look however you want it to. But if you need a little help deciding where to begin, here are a few suggestions that often help.
1. Start Small. Begin where you are
If “putting yourself out there” seems overwhelming, the best solution is to start small. Instead of diving headfirst into big crowds, think local, think small.
- Create Anchors in your day
When everything around you is new, setting a routine brings comfort. You can start with small daily rituals that feel familiar. A morning walk, a regular visit to your local café, or a weekly phone call with someone from home.
These rituals don’t just ground you; they also give you a chance to organically connect with people in your area.
- Reconnect with what you love
Before you search for others, it helps to reconnect with yourself.
Think back to the things you used to enjoy: running, sketching, baking, and photography. Revisit an old hobby or try something you have always been curious about.
When you do what you love, even alone, you feel more like yourself. And when you feel more like yourself, meeting others becomes easier.
- Join Local Groups and Events
Once you have found what you love, find someone who loves it too.
Think of a local hobby group, a weekend art workshop, a walking group at that park you always pass by. Or it could be even smaller in scale, like a one-on-one chat in a local coffee shop, a book swap with a fellow reader or a weekend bar crawl with a local.
You can find such groups and events both offline and online. In fact, platforms like Bunchups focus exclusively on helping you meet people one-on-one or in small groups, in your area, based on shared interests. These are places where conversations happen naturally and connection does not feel forced.
2. Gradually Broaden your World
Once you have settled in a little bit, it is time to dip your toes in the local world, gradually, without any pressure.
- Explore the local cultural scene
Australia’s multicultural landscape means there is almost always something happening around you, from art shows to street festivals to language classes.
You do not need to jump into it all at once. Pick something that genuinely interests you. Attend once. Stay for a bit. Leave when you want. The goal is just to explore something you find genuinely interesting.
- Volunteer, whenever you can
Volunteering is one of the kindest ways to meet people. There’s no pressure to small talk or build networks; you show up, you help, and along the way, you connect.
Local charities, organisations like Volunteering Australia, food banks, libraries, and universities are always looking for support. You can join a volunteer group that interests you. And helping people might just help you find your people.
3. Seek Support, when needed
Not everyone recognises loneliness at the very start. Sometimes, it takes us too long to acknowledge that we are lonely. And when the loneliness has fully settled in, taking these small steps might not be enough.
And if that happens, don’t hesitate – seek immediate support and talk to a professional. Because asking for help is not a weakness, it is a strength.
Many universities offer counselling for international students. Community health centres and mental health organisations across Australia also provide support, some even free or low-cost.
Loneliness might be part of your story right now. But it does not have to be the whole story.
How Bunchups Can Transform Your Experience
Loneliness often stems from a lack of meaningful connections. Bunchups addresses this by creating opportunities for small, authentic interactions. Here’s why it’s perfect for newcomers:
- Interest-Based Events: Whether you love cooking, playing board games, or exploring nature, Bunchups connects you with like-minded individuals.
- Small Gatherings: Intimate settings foster deeper conversations and lasting friendships.
- Flexible and Inclusive: Join or host activities at your own pace.
- Free to Use: Build connections without financial barriers.
Imagine moving to a new city and instantly finding a hiking buddy, a knitting circle, or a trivia night to join. With Bunchups, these possibilities become reality.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to deal with loneliness while settling in Australia is a journey, but it’s one you don’t have to navigate alone. By participating in local events, pursuing your passions, and using platforms like Bunchups, you’ll create a vibrant social network in no time.
Loneliness is a natural part of adjusting to new surroundings, but it doesn’t have to define your experience. Take proactive steps today, and watch as your new life in Australia becomes one filled with connections, joy, and belonging.
Resources for Further Support
- ReachOut Australia: Tips for coping with isolation.
- Allianz Care: Advice for expats dealing with loneliness.
- SwitchLiving: Guidance for students relocating to new cities.
- Explore Activities on Bunchups, List Your Own Activity, or Visit Our Shop to find games and tools to enjoy with new friends.
