Use social media and online platforms Use social media platforms, such as Facebook groups or university forums, to connect with other students studying abroad. You can ask questions, find potential roommates and even set up meetings. Be brave and communicate with your new students and friends on social networks. Feel comfortable being alone and talking.
Many universities have clubs and social groups that students can join. Usually, each school will have a web page dedicated to clubs or a social day where groups will introduce and recruit new members. I suggest you check the university's website and social media to see if there's anything that matches your interests. There will be plenty of options, from sports debate clubs to wine tasting clubs.
Depending on the size of the international student group, you may have between 20 and 50 international acquaintances in a semester. You'll get to know most of them through university projects, social or cultural events, dorm parties, international dinners, and by signing up during the presentation week. The local friend system is usually at your disposal, so you can also easily make friends with the locals. There is no doubt that this game is based on quality over quantity, however, it takes quantity to achieve quality.
Most international students spend their time with one or two good friends and, at the same time, they have between 5 and 10 friends who, from time to time, are willing to take a weekend trip, to a party in a university dorm, to practice some sport, to a concert, to go sightseeing or to any other event. This isn't really a competition, but if during the first month you manage to find 50 faces with 50 names, you probably solved the “friend problem” while studying abroad. Making new friends abroad is just the beginning, you'll have to work hard to keep in touch with international friends after returning home. While studying abroad in Europe, for example, you can find plenty of opportunities to travel to a neighboring country, which can be easier and more fun with friends.
From among a large group of acquaintances, during the first week you will have a few closer friends and perhaps a dozen friends with whom to spend the semester abroad. Maybe your parents, your best friend or partner know someone who knows someone who has been living in the host country for years. In addition, local students may already be concerned about their groups of friends and are not interested in dating students who will be leaving again in a few months. I went to drink a lot of beers, to walk around the city and to go shopping with several people from all over the world, some of whom are now my best friends here.
Whether you're spending a year abroad or just arrived in Manchester as an international student, here are my candid ideas and advice on how to make friends when you study abroad. When considering how to make friends abroad, remember that it's essential to be more direct than usual when it comes to making international friends, especially if you don't speak the same native language. Invite your local friends to hang out as well, as they may be able to point you to local restaurants they've heard of, art exhibitions they've wanted to see, or even historic monuments they've never visited. You might be worried about who your first new friends are going to be abroad, but it's actually easier to make friends abroad than at home.
Introverted or shy students may find it a little more difficult to make new friends while studying abroad than more extroverted students. You were brave and curious enough to study and these are exactly the features you need to start a conversation and make friends from all over the world. Even if you're not friends with them, it's worth making an effort to get to know them before they launch you to a new destination together. Also, it's important to reassure your new friend that when you leave in a few months, this won't end.
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