Finding your footing: tips on how to get settled and make friends as an international student

You’ve left your loved ones and maybe even your adored pets behind to go on one of the

greatest adventures of your life: studying in a foreign country! But how do you get settled in?

How do you find new people and, more importantly, how do you talk to them? Here are some of my tips on how to make the very best of your time away from home.

1. Explore

Go for a walk in your neighbourhood during one of the first days after you’ve arrived.

Figure out where the best grocery stores and the nearest bus stops are. Take some

photographs to send to your family and friends back home. This way some places

might start to look a bit more familiar, and you might find your brand-new favourite

spot in the city.

2. Take the first step

You might know the feeling: you’re early and waiting outside the classroom. There

are a few other people there and there is an awkward silence. My tip: start up a

conversation with someone who is also by themselves. This might be a bit less

daunting than approaching a big group of people and who knows? Maybe that person

is looking for new friends too!

3. Do your research

Find out if there are clubs or groups that interest you in the city. You can use search engines

to do this or ask around. This is a great way to surround yourself with people with

similar interests! Tip: universities have their own societies, you can check the Student's Union website to find these.

4. Don’t be too hard on yourself

Making friends takes some time and it is unfair to make yourself feel bad if you do not

have a solid group of friends after a few days. Take your time and don’t pressure

yourself too much. After all, your time abroad is supposed to be a fun experience to

help you grow. Breaking yourself down is the last thing you need.

Edited by Caitlin Hart