Weekend Life Abroad: How International Students Relax and Reset
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Updated at: 08 January, 2026
Published at: 08 January, 2019
By Ola Elwassify
Weekend Life Abroad: How International Students Relax and Reset
Entertainment
Tips and Advice
3 mins read

Updated at: 08 January, 2026
Published at: 08 January, 2019
By Ola Elwassify
Share
Studying abroad is an exciting journey, but it often comes with its own set of challenges. Between adapting to a new culture, managing academic responsibilities, and being away from family, international students can feel overwhelmed during the week. That’s why weekends play a crucial role in helping students reset, recharge, and feel more balanced.
Relaxation looks different for every student, but certain weekend habits are especially common among international students. Here are five ways students usually relax on the weekends while studying abroad.
1. Resting and Recovering After a Busy Academic Week
For international students, weekdays are often packed with lectures, assignments, and adjusting to a different education system. Weekends provide a much-needed pause.
Many students use this time to:
Catch up on sleep
Enjoy slow, pressure-free mornings
Take short breaks from constant studying
Rest is essential, especially when students are adjusting to new time zones, languages, or academic expectations. Proper rest helps improve concentration, reduce stress, and prepare students for the week ahead.
Having a comfortable and quiet living space makes a big difference, allowing students to fully disconnect and relax.
2. Spending Time with Friends and Building a Support Network
Being away from home can feel lonely at times, which is why weekends often revolve around social connection. International students use their free time to strengthen friendships and build a sense of community.
Popular weekend social activities include:
Casual meetups with classmates
Shared meals or cooking together
Movie nights or group study breaks
Exploring nearby cafés together
Socialising helps students feel less isolated and more settled in their new country. Living in student accommodation with shared spaces often encourages these connections naturally, making weekends more enjoyable and meaningful.
3. Exploring the City and Experiencing Local Culture
One of the best parts of studying abroad is discovering a new city. Weekends give international students the chance to explore beyond campus and experience local life at their own pace.
Students often spend weekends:
Walking around city centres
Visiting museums, markets, or landmarks
Trying local food and cafés
Attending cultural events or festivals
These small explorations help students feel more connected to their surroundings and turn their study abroad experience into something memorable. Over time, the city starts to feel less foreign and more like home.
4. Staying Connected with Family Back Home
For international students, weekends are also a time to reconnect with loved ones. Different time zones often make weekdays difficult for long conversations, so weekends become ideal for catching up.
Students usually spend time:
Video calling family and friends
Sharing updates about their week
Taking a mental break from academic pressure
Staying connected provides emotional comfort and helps students maintain a sense of stability while living abroad. Having a private and peaceful space in their accommodation makes these moments more comfortable and personal.
5. Focusing on Self-Care and Personal Interests
Weekends allow international students to slow down and focus on themselves, something that’s easy to neglect during busy weekdays.
Common self-care and hobby activities include:
Exercising or going for walks
Reading or journaling
Cooking familiar meals from home
Watching movies or series
Practising creative hobbies
These routines help students manage stress and maintain their mental well-being. Feeling comfortable at home encourages students to build healthy habits that support both academic success and personal growth.
Why Relaxation Is Essential for International Students
Adjusting to life in a new country requires both physical and emotional energy. Without proper rest and relaxation, students may experience burnout, homesickness, or academic stress.
Balanced weekends help international students:
Improve academic performance
Maintain emotional well-being
Build stronger social connections
Enjoy their study abroad journey more fully
Choosing the right accommodation plays an important role in this balance. A supportive living environment allows students to relax, socialise, and feel secure throughout their stay.
At Casita, students can explore accommodation options designed to support comfort, community, and independence, helping them feel at home, even when they’re far from home.
Finding Balance Between Study and Relaxation
There’s no single way to relax as an international student. Some prefer quiet weekends, while others enjoy exploring and socialising. What matters most is finding a routine that helps you recharge and feel ready for the week ahead.
Whether it’s resting, spending time with friends, discovering your city, or enjoying a peaceful moment at home, weekends are an essential part of creating a positive and balanced student life abroad. For more weekend ideas, browse our guides: Top UK Weekend Activities for Students and Best UK Cities for Student Weekend Getaways on a Budget.
Entertainment
Tips and Advice
By Ola Elwassify
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Entertainment
Tips and Advice
Updated at:
Published at:
By Ola Elwassify
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