How to make friends while studying abroad: Tips for building real connections

Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing journey. But, with exploration and new experiences can come challenges as you navigate a new culture without friends and family. Developing new friendships and support networks while studying abroad is crucial for personal and emotional growth and will help you thrive academically. In this article, we give you advice on how to form and develop new friendships as an international student. With these tips, from using technology to taking up social opportunities, we give you the tools to create meaningful connections while studying abroad. 

Why are friendships important for international students?

Student life abroad  is both thrilling and overwhelming at the same time. You have to get used to a new academic system, language, culture, and food. You also have to navigate your way around campus and the new city or town you have moved to. When things are unfamiliar, having friends provides comfort and a great antidote to homesickness. Friends will enhance your overall experience and make the adjustment easier, whether you're an extrovert or an introvert. 

How to build friendships as an international student

Take your time and build genuine connections

Don’t think of making friends as a task or checklist to complete. It’s best not to put pressure on yourself and do things at a pace you are comfortable with and as naturally as possible. You might be worried that you won’t make friends because you are not typically sociable or perhaps you are shy. The good news is that many other students feel the same. According to research project U-Belong, some 31 per cent of international students in the UK reported feeling lonely, and 68 per cent expressed concerns about forming friendships.

Start small by introducing yourself to classmates and students at your accommodation. You can then take things further by asking questions and finding out more about them through conversation. You may share common interests or even be from the same country. Sometimes, the best friendships start with the smallest exchanges and conversations. Some common questions you can use to start up a conversation include:

1. Where are you from and why did you decide to study here?
2. What do you miss about home?
3. What are you studying and why did you choose it?
4. Have you joined any clubs or societies yet?
5. What do people not know about your home country?
6. What food from home do you wish you could eat right now?
7. How have you adjusted to the weather?
8. What’s your favourite place you’ve visited since arriving?
9. What do you enjoy doing and do you have any hobbies?
10. Are you more a city or outdoors in nature type of person?

There is no shame in admitting you feel lonely if you do. You are certainly not in the minority. An article in The Guardian revealed that 61 per cent of students were worried about homesickness, 92 per cent admitted to feeling lonely at least once, and up to 43 per cent said they were afraid of telling anyone. Some of the main reasons students reported feeling lonely were:

• Language barriers affecting interactions and an unfamiliarity with the culture 
• Homesickness 
• Accommodation location especially if it is off-campus with fewer students

Take the initiative 

One of the best ways to meet people is to take part in the social opportunities offered by university life. An excellent way to start is by joining a club, society, or sports team. Try to find something that aligns with your interests. This makes it easier to connect on shared or common interests, aiding conversation and communication. Don’t be afraid of trying out something new, even if you are worried you won’t be good at it. Some of the types of clubs, organisations and societies you can join at university include:

• Sports
• Cultural 
• Religious 
• Academic 
• Political 
• Creative and hobbies 
• Volunteering 
• Student representation 
• Media and communication 

It’s a good idea to attend the Welcome or Orientation Week at your university as this is often where you can find out more about the activities and clubs on campus. Plus, you can sign up here too. It’s a great way to navigate the first few months of university. 

Another way of connecting with your fellow students is to start or join a study group. It’ll help your academics, and you’ll form a bond based on shared goals. You can also look for part-time work on or off-campus, which will introduce you to many people and opportunities to socialise. 

Have a positive outlook and be open

Studying abroad is all about challenging yourself and exploring. You will meet people from many different backgrounds with different beliefs, traditions and cultures. Sometimes this means your view of the world will be challenged, but this is a chance to listen, learn and grow. By being open to diversity and remaining curious you’ll develop empathy and some unexpected friendships too. 

One of the best approaches you can take is being authentic and honest. Don’t be afraid to share your thoughts, opinions, struggles and dreams. You’ll find that many of your fellow students feel similarly and sharing is a great way to develop a support structure. Giving and receiving support is a huge part of authentic friendships. It’s important to show up in both the good and bad times and celebrate one another’s achievements. You’ll find that this authenticity will bring trust and loyalty as the friendship grows.  

Stay patient and connected

Remember not to lose hope or become frustrated if some of your efforts don’t lead to friendships. Making friends and building connections in a foreign country is not a task, race or even a popularity contest. You don’t need to rush anything. Not all interactions will create a connection, which is fine. Relationships often develop over time and at a slower pace. Focus your time on people or groups who allow you to be yourself and where you feel most comfortable. 

A great way to stay in touch even when you have a busy schedule is by using technology. You can create instant messaging groups, communicate on social media and even make video calls if you can’t meet in person. This will all help with bonding. You can use the same technology to communicate with family and friends back home, making studying abroad less lonely and establishing a strong support network. 

Where to get help

If you are feeling lonely or homesick, you can reach out for assistance both at your university and with organisations that assist students. Your university will have health, wellbeing and support services with counselling. You could also reach out to your Student Union or ambassadors for assistance. For other support services that help with student wellbeing, support, and mental health, you can contact:

Australia 

• Lifeline Australia
• Beyond Blue
• Headspace
• National Union of Students

Canada 

• Canada Federation of Students 
• Canadian Alliance of Student Associations
• 988 Helpline
• Good2Talk

Ireland 

• Irish Council for International Students 
• Union of Students in Ireland
• Samaritans Ireland
• Mental Health Ireland 

New Zealand 

• Need to Talk?
• Samaritans New Zealand
• Lifeline
• Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

The UK 

• UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA)
• Student Minds
• Samaritans
• PathFinder Organisation

The USA

• 988 Lifeline
• Crisis Text Line
• Mental Health America 

Don’t forget that the quality of your friendships is more important than the quantity. Stay open, be understanding and never rush things. Give people a chance to know the real you.