Dealing With Homesickness In Serbia: Helpful Tips

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Homesickness can strike anyone during a stay abroad, even in a country as welcoming as Serbia. Fortunately, there are effective ways to overcome it and fully enjoy your experience in this beautiful Balkan country. Here are some tips to help you manage homesickness and thrive in Serbia.

Create Your Serbian Nest: The Importance of a Daily Routine

Establishing a daily routine is essential to feeling at home, even when far from home. In Serbia, this can take various forms:

Adopt Local Habits: Start your day like a true Serb with strong coffee and a burek, that delicious savory pastry typical of the Balkans. End your day with a walk along the Danube in Belgrade, as many locals do.

Find Your “Third Place”: Identify a café or park where you feel comfortable and make it your refuge. Kalemegdan Park in Belgrade or the Fortress Park in Novi Sad are perfect spots to recharge.

Establish Rituals: Whether it’s a weekly workout session, a movie night, or a culinary exploration of the many Serbian restaurants, create recurring moments that will structure your week.

Stay Connected to Your Roots: Keeping in Touch Despite the Distance

Maintaining contact with your loved ones is crucial to combating homesickness. Here’s how to do it effectively from Serbia:

Schedule Regular Calls: Set up phone or video appointments with your family and friends. Serbia has excellent internet coverage—take advantage of it!

Create a Blog or Journal: Share your Serbian adventures online. It’s a great way to stay in touch while preserving memories of your stay.

Send Typical Gifts: Surprise your loved ones with Serbian specialties like rakija (local brandy) or traditional handicrafts. This will allow you to share a bit of your new life with them.

Immerse Yourself in Serbian Culture: Immersion as a Remedy

Getting involved in local life is an excellent way to combat homesickness while enriching yourself culturally:

Learn Serbian: Even a few basic words will help you feel more integrated. Sign up for language classes or use learning apps.

Participate in Local Festivals: Serbia is full of cultural events throughout the year. Don’t miss the EXIT Festival in Novi Sad or FEST (International Film Festival) in Belgrade.

Join Expat Groups: Associations like the Belgrade Foreign Visitors Club regularly organize meetups and activities. It’s the perfect opportunity to share your experiences with other expats.

Explore Serbian Cuisine: Take part in local cooking classes or try preparing traditional dishes like sarma or ajvar. Cuisine is an excellent way to connect with a culture.

Take Care of Yourself: Well-being, Key to Adaptation

Homesickness can affect your mood and health. Here’s how to take care of yourself in Serbia:

Engage in Physical Activity: Serbia offers many opportunities to stay active. Enjoy the parks for jogging or sign up at a local gym.

Explore Serbian Nature: National parks like Tara or Fruška Gora are perfect for recharging and gaining perspective.

Meditate or Practice Yoga: Many studios in Belgrade and other major cities offer classes in English.

Treat Yourself to Pleasurable Moments: Whether it’s a spa session at Vrnjačka Banja or a wine tasting in the Fruška Gora region, take time to indulge yourself.

By following these tips, you’ll be better equipped to face homesickness and fully enjoy your experience in Serbia. Remember that adaptation takes time and everyone experiences this journey differently. Be patient with yourself and open up to the opportunities this beautiful country has to offer.