Making friends as an international student

Moving to a new country for your studies is exciting, but let’s face it: making friends in an unfamiliar environment can be intimidating. As an international student, you are navigating a new campus and culture. The thought of building meaningful connections might feel overwhelming. You’re not alone—most students share the same worries. This guide is here to help you navigate and advise on this important part of your journey.

Break the Ice in Class

Your classes are the easiest place to start building connections. On your first day, take the initiative to introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you. A simple, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]. What are you studying?” works wonders. As the semester progresses, turn group projects into opportunities to further those connections—ask your classmates if they’d like to grab a coffee to brainstorm or meet up to study together.

Pro tip: Pay attention to recurring faces in your classes or campus spaces. Familiarity often leads to comfort, and comfort is the foundation of friendship.

Leverage Cultural Events and Clubs

University campuses are goldmines of opportunities to meet people of shared interests. Cultural fairs, student organization events, and international mixers are great places to connect with others who may be feeling the same apprehension about making friends. For instance, many universities have clubs dedicated to specific hobbies, like photography, cooking, or hiking, where you can meet people who share your interests. Likewise, almost all universities have cultural clubs where students often find a sense of home.

However, this is a slippery road. Do not simply stick to international student groups or cultural clubs. While these spaces provide comfort, meeting new types of people will expand your horizons and push your comfort zone. That is what university is all about.

Say Yes to Invitations (Even When It’s Hard)

Initially, you might hesitate to accept invitations to hang out or attend events. It’s easy to let shyness or fatigue hold you back, but saying “yes” more often can be transformative. Even if it’s just grabbing lunch with a classmate or attending a small gathering, these moments create shared experiences, which are the building blocks of genuine friendships. In the first few months, you should ideally accept almost every invite. Then, you pick and choose your friends and groups.

That said, set boundaries if you feel overwhelmed. Balance is key—you don’t need to say yes to everything. But do try to push yourself out of your comfort zone regularly (especially in the beginning).

Make the Most of Shared Spaces

Dorm lounges, gyms, and cafeterias are facilities but also social spaces waiting for you to make connections. Do not underestimate the power of a casual “Hey, mind if I join you?” whether it’s for a study session, a pick-up basketball game, or even a workout. These small moments of courage can lead to lasting friendships and bonds. However, you need to be able to read the person and the environment appropriately to determine if a connection is welcome.

Be Curious, Not Critical

Cultural differences can feel like barriers initially, but they are opportunities to learn and grow. Ask questions about local customs, slang, or food—it shows genuine interest. At the same time, share your own culture openly and draw comparisons. People are often eager to learn about your origins, and this exchange builds mutual respect and understanding. With that being said, be genuinely curious about the other person. People love talking about themselves.

Be Patient with the Process

Friendships take time, and it is okay if you don’t click with everyone right away. Not every conversation will become a lifelong bond, and that is normal. Focus on being authentic and consistent. Over time, you’ll naturally attract people who appreciate you for who you are. That being said, you must go out and explore the people and culture at your university.

Technology

If walking up to people in person feels intimidating, start online. Platforms like Meetup, campus social media groups, or apps like Bumble BFF are excellent tools for finding like-minded peers in your area. These tools let you connect in a less pressured way, giving you the confidence to meet in person later.

Conclusion: You are not alone

Making friends as an international student is not a race but rather a journey. Mistakes are made, but all the steps bring you toward the connections that will make your time truly special. Remember that the person sitting next to you in class, the teammate in your intramural league, or the stranger at a campus event might feel similarly nervous but hopeful. Be the caller, take the first step, and enjoy the adventure. Before you know it, you'll have your circle of friends, turning this unfamiliar place into a home away from home.