I’m 26 and was thrilled to moved to Australia from London for a dream lifestyle change. It’s been just 11 months and I want to go home

When Jezelle Smith-Thomas moved to Australia she was excited to experience life abroad. 

But almost 12 months on, the London expat found herself questioning her decision and struggling with bouts of homesickness. 

The 26-year-old told FEMAIL she misses the familiarity home and being close to loved ones. 

Before deciding to move Down Under Jezelle was travelling around Asia for six months. Feeling tired of living out of a suitcase, she craved routine and in a twist of fate a stranger in Bali recommended Australia. 

But now she’s realised just how far away the country is compared to London and the rest of the world.  

‘This living abroad thing was all fun and games at the start, but I want to go home. Everyday is getting harder and harder to get out of bed,’ she declared in a TikTok.

Before her birthday in mid-August she was feeling ‘lonely and depressed’ being half a world away from loved ones.

Before her birthday in mid-August she was feeling ‘lonely and depressed’ being half a world away from loved ones

‘This s*** is tough. I want to call my mum, I want to call my cousin just to rant and ask what to do.. it’s like 4am (in the UK),’ Jezelle said.

‘I don’t know how much longer I can do this. My second year visa has not come – maybe it’s for a reason. What am I trying to prove? I mean I don’t know.

‘I’m just over it. It doesn’t feel like fun anymore. It just feels like life, like I’m just living here. I’m working, I’m seeing my friends sometimes, I’m coming back home. It’s just life,’ she continued. 

‘There’s some benefits but it’s kind of the same as when I was at home. So now I’m just living abroad a million miles away from everyone I love. Why am I here?’

While Jezelle has been feeling homesick, she plans on living in Australia for another year and sees the benefits Down Under provides – such as better pay, a more relaxed work environment and how she can afford to live in an apartment in the city. 

‘This living abroad thing was all fun and games at the start, but I want to go home. Everyday is getting harder and harder to get out of bed,’ she declared in a TikTok

While Jezelle has been feeling homesick, she plans on living in Australia for another year and sees the benefits Down Under provides

Not to mention the beauty of Australia and better weather compared to London. 

‘I’ve seen the most beautiful coasts and beaches here. I also love the adventurous side of it all,’ Jezelle told FEMAIL. 

‘Never in my life did I ever think I’d visit Australia let alone live here, so I just try remember that although I may miss home this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I have to be grateful for and really enjoy. 

‘I do really like my life here honestly. When I compare it to my life in London, the quality is better here and I’ve met some really great people too.’ 

Though there’s other aspects she misses about home – including British slang, going to brunch with friend, knowing where to get the best Caribbean food in the city, and the UK Love Island finale.

Jezelle hopes sharing her experience will highlight just how difficult it is moving abroad alone.

‘I’d like people to remember that it’s no small feat to start a brand new life across the world, where you know absolutely no one so you’re already SO brave,’ she said. 

‘There’s no shame is missing home, just remember your reasons for leaving in the first place and let them spur you on.’