Making Friends in Australia: Social Tips for Students

Moving to Australia for university is like stepping into a vibrant new world – sunny campuses, bustling cafés, and a mix of cultures all waiting to connect. But for international students, building friendships can sometimes feel daunting. Loneliness is common, with studies showing over 60% of students crave deeper connections. If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Many students experience the same feelings. Here are seven practical, heartfelt ways to make friends in Australia, turning strangers into mates and building a community of your own.

1. Join a Campus Club or Society

Universities like UNSW or Monash have hundreds of clubs – from hiking groups and anime societies to debating teams. Find one that sparks interest, whether it’s a photography club, a soccer team, or something else. Attend their welcome BBQ or trivia night and start a conversation about a shared activity. Clubs offer a low-pressure environment where passions often lead to new friendships.

For international students, clubs are a great way to bridge cultural gaps. If feeling shy, simply smile and ask, “How long have you been in this club?” Research shows that joining student organizations increases a sense of belonging, making these groups ideal for building connections.

2. Attend Free University Events

Most universities host free events – think movie nights, cultural festivals, or pizza socials – designed to help students connect. Check your student portal or social media for event listings like UQ’s Market Day. Go with a friend or on your own, and strike up a conversation while grabbing a free snag (sausage). A great icebreaker could be, “What’s the best event you’ve been to here?”

International students may feel out of place at first, but observing local vibes – Aussies love casual banter – can make the process easier. These events are where many students meet their closest friends, bonding over shared experiences.

3. Start Small with Everyday Chats

Friendships often begin with small, everyday moments. In a lecture, try asking the person next to you, “Did you get that last slide?” At a café, chat with the barista about their coffee recommendations. These micro-conversations build confidence and can lead to deeper connections. Carrying a notebook with a cool design is also a simple way to start a conversation!

For international students, language worries can hold you back, but simple openers like, “What’s your favorite spot on campus?” can break the ice. Studies highlight that regular social interactions reduce loneliness, so don’t be afraid to start small.

4. Host a Casual Get-Together

Consider inviting classmates over for a low-key hangout, like a study session with snacks or a movie night in your dorm. Keep it budget-friendly by grabbing chips from Coles and streaming a Netflix classic. Share a bit of your culture, whether it’s a playlist from home or a favorite dish like dumplings. Hosting casual events is an easy way to turn acquaintances into close friends.

For international students, this is a perfect opportunity to share unique aspects of your culture, whether it's a Diwali dessert or a K-pop playlist. Sharing traditions helps create a sense of community and builds bonds.

5. Volunteer for a Cause

Volunteering is a powerful way to meet kind-hearted people. Look for opportunities like beach cleanups, food drives, or community gardens. Check Volunteering Australia for local projects. You’ll bond with others over shared values while giving back to the community. Many students find their closest friendships through volunteering.

For international students, make sure that the volunteer roles fit within your visa work limits (48 hours per fortnight). Volunteering doesn’t just benefit others – research shows it also boosts social networks and overall wellbeing.

6. Be Open to Diverse Friendships

Australia’s campuses are full of students from all over the world – embrace this diversity! Say yes to coffee with someone from a different background – be it an Aussie or a student from Brazil. Ask about their traditions, like, “What’s a holiday you love?” Students who embrace this diversity often find their friend groups growing organically, as everyone learns from each other’s unique perspectives.

International students bring a global perspective that others are eager to learn from. Share it, and connections will naturally follow. Diverse friendships enrich the university experience and make Australia feel even more like home.

7. Reach Out When You’re Struggling

If making friends feels tough, don’t keep it to yourself. Many universities offer free counseling and peer support groups to help students who are struggling with loneliness. If feeling isolated, reach out – it’s a brave and necessary step. Many students have found support groups or mentors who connect them with welcoming communities. For extra wellbeing support, Beyond Blue offers free resources to help students during challenging times.

Making friends in a new country can take time, but with these seven tips, students can easily start building a supportive and fun community in Australia. Whether you’re just starting out or feeling a little lonely, remember it’s all part of the process. Take it one step at a time, and soon enough, a strong group of mates will be right by your side.

If you need guidance on building your social circle, our team at OZGRADS can help with personalized mentoring or cultural integration tips - reach out to us!

Build Your Aussie Crew Today

Making friends in Australia is about showing up, being yourself, and embracing the adventure. Join a club, chat in class, host a hangout, volunteer, seek diverse connections, and ask for help when needed. These steps will turn your uni days into memories with mates who feel like family. Your Aussie crew is out there - start connecting today!

References

Australian Government (2023) Beyond Blue: Mental health and wellbeing for students. Melbourne: Beyond Blue. Available at: https://www.beyondblue.org.au (Accessed: 13 December 2024).

Rosenthal, D. A., Russell, J. and Thomson, G. (2007) ‘Social connectedness among international students at an Australian university’, Social Indicators Research, 84(1), pp. 71–82. doi: 10.1007/s11205-006-9075-1.

Sawir, E., Marginson, S., Deumert, A., Nyland, C. and Ramia, G. (2008) ‘Loneliness and international students: An Australian study’, Journal of Studies in International Education, 12(2), pp. 148–180. doi: 10.1177/1028315307299699.

Ward, C., Bochner, S. and Furnham, A. (2001) The psychology of culture shock. 2nd edn. Hove: Routledge.

Disclaimer

This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.