A young Nigerian woman, known on TikTok as @emerald_xoxo, has gone viral after sharing an emotional video detailing her struggles since relocating to the United Kingdom. In the tearful clip, she described the challenges of living abroad, stating, “UK will show you pepper,” a Nigerian expression implying tough experiences, as she highlighted the loneliness and emotional toll of being far from her family.
The woman, believed to be an international student, recounted how she frequently breaks into tears, particularly when thinking about her loved ones back in Nigeria. “One thing I realized today was, the crying won’t stop but it will reduce. The way I’ve cried today while walking, I’m glad it was dark so no one could see my tears,” she shared in the video. Her raw account of adapting to life in the UK without the physical support of family has resonated with many, sparking widespread reactions online.
Posted on TikTok, the video has garnered significant attention, with netizens expressing empathy and sharing their own experiences of life abroad. One commenter wrote, “I went through the crying phase during Christmas period. I was happy because I had freedom, but the tears came when I realized no Christmas with them.” Another user encouraged her, saying, “Don’t worry, it gets better. Six months here and I was in a terrible space. Crying every day! It gets better.” Some even offered to connect with her for coffee to ease her loneliness, reflecting the sense of community among Nigerians in the diaspora.
This is not the first time a Nigerian in the UK has shared such struggles. Similar stories have surfaced, including another Nigerian woman, @.meenah1, who in 2024 lamented crying weekly due to the hardships of life in the UK, describing it as “not easy.” These accounts highlight the emotional and social challenges faced by many immigrants, particularly international students, who often juggle demanding schedules of work and school while grappling with isolation.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some sympathizing with the woman’s plight and others humorously noting they would rather “cry in the UK than in Nigeria where hunger is killing me.” The video has reignited discussions about the realities of relocating abroad, challenging the notion of “greener pastures” and shedding light on the mental health struggles of immigrants.
As the conversation continues to trend on platforms like TikTok and X, @emerald_xoxo’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices and resilience required to pursue a new life abroad. She has not disclosed specific reasons for her distress beyond missing her family, but her vulnerability has struck a chord, prompting calls for greater support for international students in the UK.