#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
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#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
#1 in the world for sport science2
#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction3
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Studying abroad can unlock wonderful opportunities. If you’re lucky enough to go to university in another country, you’ll likely get the chance to learn at a world-class institution, experience an exciting new culture, and unlock unique experiences. Ideally, you’ll make some cherished friendships along the way, too; friendships that might even last a lifetime.
Of course, moving to another country and starting a fresh study journey can be daunting, and the idea of making new friends might seem overwhelming. It’s perfectly natural to be concerned about leaving old friends behind and making friends in a new country. Just remember that there are plenty of others in the same boat, and there are always people and resources out there to help.
Ready to start making friends in a new country? Let’s take a closer look at some ways to do it.
Making friends in a new country might seem tough – especially if there are cultural or linguistic barriers.
Sometimes, finding friends abroad is just about knowing where to look.
Fortunately, wherever you go, you’ll find kind, caring, and interesting people who are always happy to connect. Deakin student Ethan calls Vietnam home and is currently studying at Deakin Burwood. He tells us, ‘People at Deakin are so warm and kind to me. I have made friends from various countries, and we often share our food, cultures, and stories. This makes me feel a sense of belonging.’
Two friends make a pair – but keep adding connections and soon you’ve got a community.
While you could always start your own, community clubs are already-established groups open to the public. They thrive on participation and shared interests, making them a great way to find friends and become part of a broader community.
If you’re looking to make friends in a new country, community clubs are well worth exploring, because they cover just about every area of interest. Love knitting? There’s a community club for that. Looking to get fit while meeting people? Running clubs and sports teams are always welcoming new recruits. Community clubs can also be great ways to meet people with shared identities and lifestyles. At Deakin, there are LGBTQIA+ clubs, disability and neurodivergence groups, and clubs for political affiliations like the Labor and Liberal parties. There’s a community club for just about everyone.
Wherever you’re based, be sure to check out local community group pages to see what’s happening. Study Melbourne has a comprehensive list of community clubs and events (where. your new friends might be waiting already!).
One of the great things about university (besides the study opportunities, of course) is the in-built sense of community. Nowhere is this more apparent than at Deakin University, where clubs and societies are always looking to welcome new members into the fold.
The Deakin University Student Association (DUSA) is your best bet for finding out all about the clubs and associations at Deakin. You’ll find clubs based around fields of study, like the Deakin Association of Psychology Students (DAPS). Some are built on national origins or heritage – like the Deakin University Bangladeshi Club (DBC) – which could be a handy shortcut for making friends in a new country.
There are also sports societies, political clubs, groups based on shared interests (like K-Pop music or anime), and safe spaces for sharing religion or identity.
Often, we make friends based on shared experiences and common values. For people studying overseas, there are plenty of shared experiences to be discussed – like moving to a new country, adjusting to a different culture, and maybe even speaking a second language. This is why expat events can be great ways to make friends in a new country; expats will naturally share plenty of common ground.
Want to make friends with fellow expats or international students? Deakin runs specific events for international students geared towards having fun, meeting like-minded people and making friends.
There are all sorts of expat events outside of university, too. For instance, the City of Melbourne runs and lists events for international students – everything from cooking workshops to museum visits and days at sporting events like the Australian Open. Fun!
Just because you come to Australia from another country, doesn’t mean you’re only here to learn. If you’re a native speaker of a language other than English, you might be able to help others improve their skills in that language just by getting together for a conversation.
Of course, language exchanges can go the other way, too. So, if you think you’d like to take your English conversational skills to a new level, a language exchange can be a fun and educational opportunity.
And, considering language exchanges are all about chatting, it’s a great opportunity to get to know someone. Who knows – you might find some shared interests that lead to a great new friendship.
Study Melbourne organises regular language exchange events, so keep an eye out if you’re in a new country and keen to make friends.
Volunteer opportunities can include working at op-shops, helping charities or religious groups, chipping in with community sports clubs, offering tutoring and plenty more. Wherever you end up, volunteering will likely see you working with other volunteers, which can be a good way to make friends in a new country. In addition to hopefully helping you make friends, volunteering also looks great on your resume, which is helpful when looking for a job after graduation.
Volunteering Victoria keeps track of opportunities, as well as offering tailored advice for international students. And it’s worth remembering that, for those on a typical subclass 500 student visa, paid work is capped at 48 hours per fortnight – but there’s generally no restriction for volunteering. However, it’s always best to check your visa conditions before applying for any volunteer positions.
Friendships are important – especially when you’re living in a new country. Having strong friendships can foster happiness, fulfillment, confidence and connectedness. Friendships can help us settle into uni life, too – but they can also carry on long after we’ve finished studying.
Whether you’re looking to build a long-lasting relationship or just make a few casual friends along the way, there are plenty of reasons to get social. Just remember to be yourself, don’t be afraid to try new things, and embrace the experience of making new friends in a new country.
