One of the biggest concerns many students have before studying abroad is, “Will I make any friends?” Many worry about being alone, lacking confidence in speaking English, or finding it difficult to connect with international students. These feelings are completely normal. Moving to a new country means starting over in almost every aspect of life, from studying and daily routines to building new relationships.

The truth is that almost every international student, whether from Thailand, Japan, China, India, or Europe, experiences the same uncertainty during their first few weeks. Everyone is looking for new friends, just like you. Many students who have studied abroad say they were extremely nervous before they arrived, but the friends they met at university eventually became one of the most meaningful parts of their overseas experience, with many friendships continuing long after graduation.

Friendships take time to grow

Many students expect to find their best friends on the very first day, but meaningful friendships rarely happen overnight. During your first week, you’ll probably meet lots of people through Orientation activities or in class. At first, these interactions may only be brief conversations or introductions. Over the following weeks, however, you’ll start seeing the same classmates, group project members, and people sitting nearby. As you spend more time together, those familiar faces often become genuine friends. If you haven’t found close friends within the first few weeks, don’t worry. That’s completely normal and part of the adjustment process for most international students.

Where can you meet new friends?

1. Student accommodation

For many students, student accommodation is where friendships begin. Shared spaces such as kitchens, common rooms, and study areas naturally bring students from different countries together. Simply starting with a friendly “Hi!”, “Are you new here?”, or “Which course are you studying?” can lead to conversations that last much longer than you might expect. You don’t have to be the most outgoing person. Simply having the confidence to say hello first is often the best way to start building new friendships.

2. Classes and group projects

Universities in Australia and the UK place strong emphasis on collaborative learning. You’ll regularly work with classmates from different backgrounds on presentations, projects, and class discussions. Working together over several weeks allows you to exchange ideas, solve problems as a team, and naturally build friendships. Being reliable, punctual, and supportive also makes others more likely to enjoy working with you again.

3. Orientation Week

Most universities organise Orientation Week or Freshers’ Week to welcome new students. It can feel intimidating because you’ll meet many strangers at once, but remember that most of them feel exactly the same way. Everyone is starting from scratch, and very few people already have established friendship groups. Even if you’re shy, don’t skip these events. Many students meet their first university friends during campus tours or orientation activities.

4. Student clubs and societies

Universities abroad offer a wide range of clubs and societies, including sports clubs, music societies, photography clubs, volunteering groups, business societies, gaming clubs, and language exchange clubs. Joining a club that matches your interests is a great way to meet people who share the same hobbies, making conversations feel more natural rather than forcing small talk. Friendships built around shared interests also tend to be stronger and longer-lasting.

5. Part-time jobs

Many international students make close friends while working part-time in cafés, restaurants, retail stores, or other customer service roles. Working together regularly gives you plenty of opportunities to chat, support one another, and build friendships outside university.

6. Thai student associations

Joining a Thai student society or an Asian student association can help you settle in more comfortably, especially during your first few weeks abroad. Senior students can offer valuable advice about university life, accommodation, transport, and even recommend good Thai restaurants. However, try not to limit yourself to only spending time with other Thai students. One of the greatest benefits of studying abroad is experiencing different cultures and building friendships with people from around the world. Having both Thai and international friends gives you the best of both worlds.

What if my English isn’t very good?

Most international students are not native English speakers. Many of your classmates will feel just as nervous about communicating in English. What matters isn’t speaking perfect English, but being willing to communicate. Don’t wait until your English is “good enough” before making friends. Talking with classmates every day is one of the fastest ways to improve your confidence and language skills. Many students are surprised by how much their English improves after just a few months simply because they use it every day.

Is it normal to feel lonely at first?

Feeling homesick or lonely during your first few weeks abroad is completely normal. Many international students experience the same emotions, especially once the excitement of the first week begins to settle. The most important thing is not to isolate yourself. The more you avoid meeting new people, the longer it may take to build meaningful friendships.

Try setting simple goals for yourself, such as joining at least one campus activity, starting a conversation with one new person each week, or attending a club or society at least three times before deciding whether it’s the right fit for you.

💚 The strongest friendships rarely come from first impressions. They develop through seeing each other regularly and spending time together.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Although you may feel nervous or lonely at first, stepping outside your comfort zone, joining activities, and staying open to new experiences will gradually help you build meaningful relationships. Many students discover that the friendships they make overseas become some of the most memorable and rewarding parts of their study abroad journey.

Interested in Studying in Australia or the UK?

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