Moving to a new country as an international student is both exciting and daunting. One of the biggest challenges you may face is building a social circle, which can help you feel more at home and make your time abroad more enjoyable. Here are some practical tips for making friends through clubs, events, classes, and online communities:
Join University Clubs and Organisations
- Clubs and Societies: Universities have societies for pretty much anything and everything from the common ones including sports, arts, debate, and cultural groups to the more niche ones like the Hummus Society at LSE and the Quidditch Society at Durham. Joining these clubs can help you connect with others who share similar interests, and it is an easy and simple way to make friends.
- International Student Organisations: Many universities have clubs specifically for international students, offering support, resources and organised events specifically designed for students studying abroad. These organisations can be a great way to meet people who understand your experience and can offer advice.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteering with university organisations or local charities not only lets you give back but also introduces you to students and locals with a shared passion for making a difference.
Participate in Campus and Community Events
- Freshers Fair and Cultural Events: Most universities have a freshers fair which is designed to help new students get familiar with the campus and meet other students. Cultural events, such as international food fairs or holiday celebrations, are also perfect for connecting with diverse groups.
- Local Community Events: Attend events in the city where you study, like Sunday markets, festivals, or workshops. This can be a great way to meet locals and get a feel for the culture. Plus, locals are often interested in connecting with international students and sharing their own culture.
- Sports and Fitness Clubs: If you enjoy physical activities, joining a sports team or fitness club can help you meet people in a social, low-pressure environment. Many universities have teams where students of all skill levels are welcome. This is a great way to try a new sport and become friends with people you wouldn’t normally find yourself in a social setting with.
Engage Actively in Classes and Study Groups
- Form or Join Study Groups: Classes and study sessions are a great and unexpected way to build friendships. Ask classmates if they’d like to form a study group or suggest meeting up to discuss projects. This is particularly helpful for international students who might need extra support with the local academic expectations.
- Participate in Class Discussions: Engaging in class not only helps you academically but also makes you more approachable. Other students are more likely to remember you, making it easier to strike up conversations after class.
- Connect with Professors and TAs: Building connections with professors or teaching assistants can lead to networking opportunities and introductions to other students with similar interests.
Utilise Online Platforms and Social Media
- University Groups on Social Media: Many universities have official or student-run Facebook groups for new students, specific departments, or international students. this makes finding your house, course and society mates very easy and less intimidating as you can chat online before meeting in person. These groups also often post about events, study sessions, and even fun meet-ups, which can be easy conversation starters.
- Apps for Meeting Students: Apps like Unifi, BFF, Meetup, and even university-exclusive social networking platforms can help you find other students in the same boat as you. These apps often cater to people seeking friends rather than dating, making it less intimidating to reach out.
- Create Group Chats for Classmates or Groups in General: Creating group chats on Snapchat, WhatsApp, GroupMe, or similar apps are often used by students to stay connected outside of formal meetings. Creating a group chat anywhere from 3 to 100 people will be useful to chat about coursework, exams, study meet ups and more.
Learn and Share About Different Cultures
- Share Your Own Culture: Invite new friends to experience your traditions by hosting a small cultural night, sharing food from your home country, or teaching them a bit about your past experiences at home. People often love learning about other cultures, and it gives them an opportunity to connect with you on a deeper level.
- Be Open and Respectful: One of the most rewarding parts of studying abroad is meeting people from different backgrounds. Approach each interaction with openness and curiosity, most people appreciate you getting know more about them and where they come from, and this can lead to more meaningful connections.
Join a Travel Club
ISH Travel Club: If you enjoy exploring new places and want to meet others who share your passion for travel, the International Students House Travel Club is a great way to expand your social circle. The Travel Club organises affordable trips and outings for international students, giving you the chance to explore the country with new friends. Whether it’s a weekend trip to a nearby city or a day out to a cultural landmark, these adventures provide a relaxed and fun environment for meeting university students from all over London. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals and build lasting friendships all whilst travelling to some of the UK’s most popular cities and attractions at discounted rate.
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