Priviet Social Sciences Journal
Vol. 6 No. 6 (2026): June 2026

From home to campus: The homesickness and adaptation experience of migrant students

Ica Purnama (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Vika Rahmawati (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Dira Okta Saraswati (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Melysah Ramadona (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Lentera Langit (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Ghina Reftantia (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Vieronica Varbi Sununianti (Universitas Sriwijaya)
Elita Aidillah (Universitas Sriwijaya)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Jun 2026

Abstract

Educational mobility encourages many students to leave their home areas to continue their studies in higher education. The move not only presents academic opportunities but also poses various social and emotional challenges, one of which is homesickness. This study aims to analyze the experiences of homesickness and social adaptation among migrant students at Sriwijaya University, Indralaya Campus. The research uses a qualitative approach with phenomenological methods. The data were obtained through in-depth interviews with five migrant students who were selected purposively based on their experience of living far from their families and having experienced homesickness. Data was analyzed using an interactive model through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and a conclusion drawn. The results of the study showed that homesickness is experienced in the form of longing for family, feelings of loneliness due to the loss of a familiar social environment, culture shock when entering a new environment, and difficulty living life independently. This experience is part of the social adaptation process that takes place when students enter a social environment that is different from their home region. Adaptation is carried out through changes in daily behavior, the development of new social relationships, involvement in student organizations, and the process of forming an identity as a more independent individual. The findings of the study show that homesickness is not only an emotional response to separation from home but also an important part of the process of social adjustment and maturation of migrant students.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

PSSJ

Publisher

Subject

Economics, Econometrics & Finance Education Environmental Science Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice Social Sciences

Description

PSSJ: Priviet Social Sciences Journal is an open access, monthly peer-reviewed international journal published by PRIVIETLAB. It provides an avenue to academicians, researchers, managers and others to publish their research work that contributes to the knowledge and theory of Social Sciences. PSSJ ...