Lyla Lindsey
Making friends at university can be daunting, but it's important to remember that many students share similar concerns. The friends you make at university could be lifelong connections, so it's worth taking the initiative to keep in touch with people and grow your social circle. University offers plenty of opportunities to meet people, from classmates and tutorials to social events and extracurricular activities. It's also a great idea to join a club or society, as this can spark your social life and lead to meaningful friendships. Online students can make friends too by participating in class discussions and study groups through the university's learning management system.
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What You'll Learn
Be open to talking to people
Making friends at university can be scary, but it's important to remember that many students share similar concerns. In the first few weeks, people generally expect to have conversations with others in class, so it's a great time to be open to talking to people.
If you've been enjoying a conversation in class, try to keep it going as you leave. You could walk with them to their next class, to the library, or get some food on campus. If it's not lunchtime, you could ask if they want to study together sometime. Taking the initiative to keep in touch with people is a great way to grow your social circle.
It's also a good idea to attend orientation events, campus tours, and other university events, like trivia nights, gigs, or clubs. The more chances you give yourself to meet people, the more likely you are to develop genuine connections.
If you're studying online, you can still take part in class discussions through your university's learning management system (LMS). You can use these forums to introduce yourself and chat about readings or assignments. You can also start your own threads and private chats to find like-minded people for a study group.
Remember, some friendships are just one conversation away, so be patient, embrace who you are, and don't be afraid to put yourself out there!
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Join a club or society
Joining a club or society is a great way to make friends at university in Australia. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore your interests, discover new passions, and connect with like-minded individuals. With a variety of clubs and societies to choose from, you're bound to find one that aligns with your hobbies and passions.
Firstly, decide what kind of club or society you would like to join. Universities in Australia offer a diverse range of options, including academic, cultural, recreational, and sporting clubs. Consider your interests and what you would like to explore further. For instance, if you are interested in sports, joining a university sports team or club is a great way to stay active, develop new skills, and make friends. Many lifelong friendships are formed through sporting clubs, as they provide a shared interest and a fun way to connect with others.
Secondly, look out for club or society fairs at the beginning of the academic year. Many universities in Australia hold club fairs or society days during orientation week, which is the perfect time to explore your options and sign up for clubs that interest you. These fairs allow you to meet current members, ask questions, and get a feel for the different clubs' cultures and activities. It is also a great opportunity to learn about the benefits and requirements of each club, such as membership fees, meeting times, and any additional perks they may offer.
Thirdly, don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and attend the meetings or events of the clubs you've joined. Many clubs and societies in Australian universities organise regular social events, workshops, and excursions, providing ample opportunities to meet new people and form friendships. These events can include picnics, trivia nights, arts and craft sessions, comedy nights, and more. By actively participating in these activities, you increase your chances of making meaningful connections with others who share your interests.
Lastly, remember that joining a club or society is not just about making friends but also about personal growth and exploration. University clubs and societies provide a supportive environment to develop new skills, gain experiences, and build your resume. They offer a sense of belonging and can enhance your overall university experience. So, embrace this opportunity to try something new, challenge yourself, and connect with a community of individuals who share your passions.
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Make friends online
Making friends online at university in Australia can be challenging, but there are several ways to connect with classmates and build meaningful friendships. Here are some tips specifically for making friends online while studying at an Australian university:
Utilise Online Platforms
Take advantage of your university's online platforms, such as the learning management system (LMS) used for class discussions. Participate actively in these forums by introducing yourself, discussing course materials, and finding like-minded individuals to form a study group. These platforms provide a great opportunity to get to know your classmates during the initial weeks of the course. Additionally, join online communities like Facebook groups, Discord servers, or Subreddits dedicated to your university, where students organise study groups, social events, and extracurricular activities. These spaces facilitate connections with other students and can lead to meaningful friendships.
Embrace Virtual Socialising
Don't be afraid to take the initiative and reach out to your classmates. Suggest virtual study sessions via video conferencing tools like Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This way, you can study together and provide mutual support, even if you're not physically in the same space. Remember that building virtual friendships can take time and patience, so be consistent in your efforts to connect.
Explore Common Interests
Find common interests with your classmates that can serve as a foundation for your friendship. This could be a shared passion for a particular subject, a hobby, or a specific club or society you're both interested in joining. By finding common ground, it becomes easier to initiate conversations and plan activities that you can enjoy together, even if done virtually or remotely.
Attend Online Events
Participate in online events and activities organised by your university or student clubs. These events are designed for students to connect and can range from trivia nights to international study tours. By attending these events, you increase your chances of meeting people with similar interests.
Seek Support
If you're feeling overwhelmed or struggling to make friends, remember that support is available. Many universities offer counselling services and peer support networks to help students with their mental health and overall wellbeing. Don't hesitate to reach out and ask for help—it's a sign of strength and can contribute to your success during your time at university.
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Attend social events
One of the best ways to make friends at university in Australia is to attend social events. These events can vary from campus festivals and careers fairs to creative classes, study workshops, excursions, and more. For instance, RMIT University offers a range of social activities, including picnics, trivia, arts and crafts, and comedy nights. These events are perfect for immersing yourself in campus life and getting to know students from different colleges and courses.
If you're studying online, you can still attend social events and meet people through your university's online platforms and communities. For example, most universities have Facebook groups where students organise study groups and social catch-ups. Additionally, platforms like Discord and Reddit can be great places to connect with other students in your community.
Joining clubs and societies is another excellent way to meet people and make friends. Whether it's a sporting team, a hobby club, or a professional development group, these groups provide a shared interest and a sense of belonging. According to the ActivateUTS and Student Success Report 2020, 84% of students said that joining a club gave them a sense of belonging.
Attending orientation events and campus tours is also a great way to connect with people who are new to the university, just like you. These events often provide a perfect opportunity to strike up a conversation and make new friends.
So, whether you're studying on campus or online, attending social events and joining clubs and societies can significantly help you make friends and build a sense of community during your time at university in Australia.
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Be patient
Making friends at university can be scary and nerve-wracking, especially if you are an international student in a new country. It is important to remember that many other students will feel the same way and share similar concerns. So, be patient with yourself and embrace who you are and what you like, and the rest will follow.
University is a great place to meet people, and you will have many opportunities to do so. You can meet people in your lectures, tutorials, and practicals, as well as in social settings like parties, balls, cafes, and sports. If you are studying online, you can still make friends by participating in class discussions through your university's learning management system (LMS) and joining private Facebook groups, Discord servers, or Subreddits for your university or course.
If you are feeling lonely or overwhelmed, remember that you are not alone. Many universities offer free counselling services and group programs for personal development, mental health, and wellbeing. You can also connect with other students via apps like TalkCampus, which offers free online peer support for students.
It is important to put yourself out there and step outside your comfort zone. Start conversations with classmates, attend orientation events and campus tours, and join clubs or societies. These can be a great way to spark your social life and lead to lifelong friendships. However, don't feel discouraged if you don't make friends as quickly as you would like. Building friendships takes time and effort, so keep at it, and you will eventually connect with people you genuinely enjoy spending time with.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make friends at university in Australia. Firstly, it is important to put yourself out there and be open to talking to people. You could strike up a conversation with a classmate, walk with them to their next class or ask them if they want to study together. You could also attend Orientation events, join a club or society, or take part in campus events such as trivia nights, gigs or sports teams.
There are still plenty of ways to make friends if you are studying online. You can take part in class discussions through your university’s learning management system (LMS), start your own threads and private chats, and find people for a study group. You can also check if your course has an internship or placement elective, or sign up for international study tours.
It is perfectly normal to feel anxious about making friends at university, but it is important to remember that many students share these concerns. You could try attending events such as careers fairs, creative classes, study workshops and excursions, or volunteering to help organise events and campus activities. You could also join a club or society to find people with similar interests, or connect with other students via an online mental health peer support network.
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