Knowing a couple of ways to make friends when studying abroad is important. In our article on dealing with homesickness, we mentioned that one of the best remedies for it is to meet new people and develop friendships with them.
It goes far beyond curing homesickness, too! Making new friends and having people around whom you can connect and do fun activities with can boost your mood, lower stress levels, and help you feel like you belong. What is more, they can even help you with your studies if need be. Having quality relationships, no matter where you are, is a net benefit to your life.
This is why we’ve put together this list of 10 ways for meeting people when studying abroad. You should be able to meet new individuals and develop new connections as a result.
Most schools have the first week of studies be an orientation week. This week’s purpose is to help new students meet each other and get acclimated to the school. It is filled to the brim with icebreaker activities and get-togethers whose sole purpose is to help you make new friendships.
The social focus of these activities can be a bit intimidating for shier people but it is important to utilize this chance right at the beginning and potentially meet some cool new people. It will offer you a head start and ultimately make it simpler for you to establish new pals. Even if you do not meet your new best friend, it is a great networking opportunity and the people there might know someone you will really mesh with!
The great thing about most universities nowadays is the sheer number of clubs available. There is something for just about anyone. Whether you are a fan of 80s movies, Shakespearean theatre, or a basketball fanatic, you are likely to find a place on campus with like-minded people.
Going to clubs is one of the best ways to make friends when studying abroad because you already have at least one interest in common with the people there. This makes approaching people and striking up mutually engaging conversations much less awkward.
Another thing universities are really great at is hosting events. Depending on the type of institution, there will usually be art exhibits, science expos, or sports matches held every so often. These are prime opportunities to mingle and meet some cool new friends!
Note that you will not be interested in every single event. Although it is not mandatory that you go to an event you think you might find boring, it is good to sometimes get out of your comfort zone. Who knows? It might lead to some truly magical connections.
One of the ways to meet people when studying abroad is by volunteering. People who volunteer are not in it for the money. They do it out of a love or sense of charity. Another big reason why they do it is to meet new people.
As a result, you will already be interacting with people who share your goals. This makes striking up conversations much easier. What is more, you will probably be seeing these people regularly and working together with them, making it easier to nurture long-term connections.
One of the numerous advantages of working a part-time job while in school is the opportunity to network. The difference between work and volunteering is that it is likely that people usually do not put “making friends“ high on their list of motives for getting a job.
However, that should not discourage you. Many working students should be quite glad to have a bit of a chat at work. Who knows? Maybe you can discover that you have many interests and values in common!
The chance to network is only one of the many benefits of working a part-time job while attending school.Dorms also offer other benefits such as being typically more affordable than renting a house or apartment as well as, for the most part, being close to or in the campus itself.
You will always be surrounded by other students if you reside in a dorm. Even without considering the possibility that you would spend time with one or more roommates, there are numerous chances to run into strangers in the corridors and start a discussion.
Making and keeping connections is made easier by throwing a party and inviting many people over. People appreciate you thinking of them when organizing such an event and everybody likes having fun and mingling.
That said, you do not have to throw a crazy dance party where everyone gets drunk. A soiree, putlock, or even a simple dinner party are also completely valid. They may be a terrific opportunity to bring people together, share cultures and experiences, and eat delicious food.
You won’t have many opportunity to socialise with anyone other than your roommates if you spend all the time in your room or apartment. On the other hand, making friends while studying abroad might be accomplished most effectively through outside socialising.
There’s always a chance that you’ll run across someone interesting and strike up a discussion that turns into a friendship. What is more, being outside improves the odds of seeing ads for all of those clubs and events we have previously mentioned, all coupled with the added health benefits of taking a stroll.
In recent years, social media has developed a negative reputation as being in some way anti-social. However, if you make intelligent use of this incredible technology, it may greatly expand your social circle and improve the quality of your life.
You can communicate with old friends and make new ones through social networking, getting to know them better. Additionally, you may check who else would be attending by keeping an eye out for any intriguing events in your neighbourhood.
Even if there are numerous methods to meet people while studying abroad only on the university campus, it’s crucial to keep an open mind and not put restrictions on yourself. When meeting new individuals in a strange environment, having an exploratory mindset is one of your best bets.
With that said, show a curiosity for local happenings and events like concerts in nearby cities. Listen to people when they talk and express your interest in learning more about their life, hobbies, and culture. After all, the old saying goes: “An interesting person is an interested person.”
Although the tips we have outlined here are highly effective, do not forget to inform yourself before coming to a place about the local customs, laws, and social practices. It will be easier to make friends in some places than others. It’s crucial to start out with some form of strategy. An approach that is more spontaneous is acceptable once you start making sense of things and getting a sense of the surroundings.
We wish you luck in meeting some amazing new people as a result of reading this post. After all, for many students, one of the most exciting aspects of studying abroad is establishing new friends.
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