How to Make Friends While Studying English in Australia

It’s no small thing to move to a foreign country especially if the language is unfamiliar. So how do you make friends when your native language and background may be different to that of your fellow students and peers?

Here are some quick tips when it comes to making friends while studying English in Australia.

Say yes to opportunities

Studying overseas is all about embracing new activities and adventures. The more you say ‘yes’ to new experiences, the more rewarding your overseas adventure will be.

When the chance arises to meet new people and socialise, seize the opportunity, whether that’s attending orientation, sitting with fellow students at lunch, or saying yes to an invitation to socialise.

And remember, the more you say yes and put aside your nerves, the more opportunities will arise, and the more comfortable you will feel.

Put yourself out there

Making the most of an overseas study adventure and forging friendships isn’t just about waiting for others to invite and include you. There’s also the opportunity for you to be proactive about making friends.

Put yourself out there and strike up a conversation, especially with fellow students who are in exactly the same position as you are.

It’s remarkable how many friendships start with a simple ‘hello’ and genuine interest in the other person’s story.

The more you reach out to others and connect with them, the more comfortable you will become. And it’s also a great opportunity to practise your burgeoning English skills.

Social clubs and events

Chances are, your education provider offers extra curricular activities, including social clubs and events.

Whether it’s the darts club, theatre society, a sporting group or student social events, these activities are a great way to meet new people and connect with like-minded peers.

Meanwhile, there are also social clubs you can join outside of your university or English language school.

This might include the local church, district basketball team, evening tennis club, public speaking society and more.

Find a regular

To really make the most of your time studying overseas, it’s important to immerse yourself in the local culture.

A great way of doing this is to find a regular place where you simply hang out. It might be the local cafe where you have lunch once a week while studying. Maybe it’s the local pub where you join other students for a social drink.

Or maybe it’s simply somewhere that you regularly exercise, like a local gym. Each of these places offers the opportunity to connect with the people you encounter there, who soon come to recognise you as a regular attendee.

Volunteer

Whether it’s the local op shop, animal rescue shelter or soup kitchen, a raft of charities are always on the lookout for willing volunteers, and this can be a great way to give back to your community while further immersing yourself in the culture.

Not only will your contribution be warmly welcomed, volunteering also offers another way to practise your English skills with native speakers.

Ready to start your Australian study adventure?

Ready to embark on a study adventure in Australia? You can learn more about the English courses that are available here, or start narrowing down your options using our handy search tool.