Studying overseas alone – how to make friends all over again

A large part of your overseas study journey will be shaped by the people you surround yourself with. It’s important to make friends when studying abroad!

Having said that, it’s important not to put pressure on yourself. Instead, let things flow naturally by putting yourself out there gradually while remaining connected to your family and friends back home. 

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to begin when it comes to making friends while studying abroad, we’ve got you covered! Read on to learn more about the different ways you can put yourself out there and expand your social circle.

6 ways to make more friends when studying overseas

1. Join a club or a society

Whether it’s a sport or performing art, there’s bound to be a club or society that’s aligned with your hobbies or interests.

Being part of one can be a great way to make friends while studying abroad. After all, you would have a common interest and this is an ideal icebreaker, especially if you’re looking to start a conversation!

If you feel spoiled for choice or aren’t sure which club to commit to, you can always pick a few that stand out to you and then decide again after attending their welcome meetings and sussing out which ones you wish to stick with.

2. Live in a student dorm

When it comes to making friends while studying overseas, half the battle is won when you choose to live on campus.

After all, you’re surrounded by new people almost all the time and have plenty of opportunities to connect with other students – be they your dorm neighbors or those hanging out in shared communal spaces.

Apart from that, you can also get to know your roommate if you’re sharing a room. Who knows, he or she may end up becoming your uni bestie!

3. Regularly attend student events

During the first few weeks of university, there will likely be events for freshmen hosted by faculties. At this point, friendship groups are unlikely to be fully formed yet. It’s often the best time to get to know your peers and make some friends.

Attending these events can be a fantastic way to meet the other students in your course, as well as senior students and teachers – it creates opportunities for you to network as well.

Besides that, you can also keep an eye out for other campus events that match your interests like performances or parties.

When you show up and have fun at these events, it wouldn’t feel like such a chore to get out and meet people. On top of that, there’s a high chance you will get to know like-minded people who may become your friends.

4. Strike up conversations wherever you go

If you are more of an introvert, the thought of randomly talking to people you don’t know could be rather intimidating.

However, the more you do it, the less scary it becomes – and you might even gain some friends in the process.

When you put in the effort to talk to people in classes and lectures or even while you’re out and about at a local bar, there’s no doubt you can come upon some interesting conversations.

5. Take up campus jobs

On top of boosting your resume and enabling you to earn some extra pocket money in your spare time, this comes with other perks too. Taking up a campus job can also expose you to different people on campus.

You’ll get the chance to meet people you otherwise wouldn’t on a day-to-day basis in your faculty.

As you work directly with them or assist them during your shift, you’ll find yourself in close situations where you could potentially make new friends!

6. Make friends with other students going to the same destination before you depart

Even prior to flying off to your study destination, you can attend pre-departure sessions, like the ones organized by IDP, to help make sure you’re prepared. Here, you’ll meet fellow students who, like you, are also about to embark on their study abroad adventure.

This gives you the chance to make friends with people who will be there with you in the same city or even school.

Gear up for your overseas study adventure

Are you planning to embark on your study journey abroad?

We can ensure that you successfully make it there and also offer you a support system throughout your entire journey.

At IDP, we have experienced education counsellors who can help you with tailored guidance and answer all your questions so that you select a course that is aligned with your career goals.

Apart from that, we’ll navigate every step of the application process with you – from applying for your visa to settling your accommodation. That includes pre-departure support with sessions where you can meet other students from your country and make some friends before you fly.

Get started with your free counselling session today!