Homesickness is Real: Surviving Year One

The honeymoon usually ends around month 4. The novelty wears off, you miss your mum's Sunday roast, and Christmas in 35°C heat feels wrong.

Build a routine fast. Join a sports club, a run group, a pub quiz. The Aussie social calendar revolves around shared activities.

Find your tribe. Facebook groups like "Poms in Oz" and our community section at MovetoOZ are full of people in your exact shoes.

Plan a UK trip. Knowing you'll see family in 8 months makes the gap feel manageable.

Talk to someone. Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) is free and excellent. Most Aussie GPs do bulk-billed mental health plans.