Starting your international student journey in Melbourne? Learn how to make new friends with similar interests and goals with our top tips for connecting with others in the vibrant city of Melbourne.
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Transcript
[On-screen text: Susie, International student]
Susie:
One of the best parts of being an international student is all of the new and incredible people you'll meet. Whether they are other students, teachers who help to fuel your drive to learn, or professionals who can mentor and support you, meeting people and building networks is essential to make the most of your time in Victoria. Now let's talk about making friends.
You'll definitely be mingling with other people in your course, but you need to be proactive when it comes to making meaningful connections. It can be a bit intimidating at first, but putting yourself out there is the key when it comes to making friends. There are many events and activities available to international students through Study Melbourne. These can help you socialise and make friends.
Connect with Study Melbourne through social media, sign up to the newsletter or check out the events page on the website for announcements for upcoming events.
One of the best ways for you to engage with fellow students is through one of Study Melbourne's programs. These programs are specifically developed for international students to support you in building your employability, leadership, and digital skills, while helping you engage with the local community and enhance your experience in living and studying in Victoria. No matter which event you attend - and you can attend them all - these are the perfect first step for you to meeting new people and making friends.
Make sure to also check out your institution’s student clubs, societies, and sports teams. There will be groups of people with similar hobbies, interests, languages, and culture.
Alternatively, check out the community groups near where you live, like the local library or simply head to Study Melbourne Hub on Hardware Lane and start a conversation with new students over a cup of coffee.
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Studying overseas is an incredibly exciting journey. It’s a fresh start brimming with possibilities and opportunities. You’ll learn new things, experience new cultures and make new friends who share your interests, passions and goals.
To help you get a head start, these are our top tips for making friends in Melbourne as an international student.
Attend Study Melbourne events and meet new people
Some of the best ways to make friends while living in Victoria is to attend events, network and meet new people.
From fun social activities to professional development workshops, Study Melbourne runs an exciting calendar of events and programs where you can meet and connect with fellow international students.
To be the first to hear about upcoming events, subscribe to our Instagram broadcast channel! You can also sign up to the student newsletter, or check out our events page.
Connect with the Study Melbourne Hub
Looking to meet fellow international students and potentially form lasting friendships? The Study Melbourne Hub is the place to go.
Conveniently located at 17 Hardware Lane, you can visit the Hub anytime to study, seek advice from local staff and meet other international students. As this space is designated for international students, you’re sure to be surrounded by people who understand and relate to your experience.
View transcript
[Playful music, visuals of students being welcomed at the hub reception desk. Doorway, lift and staircase in background]
Welcome to the Study Melbourne Hub, located at 17 Hardware Lane in the heart of Melbourne. [Spacious room with window bar style seating, desk space and couch area. Aboriginal artwork wall art in background. Outside the Hub on Hardware Lane, shows a heritage building with scooter parked out front.]
The Hub is a dedicated space for international students living in Victoria. [Large desk with students collaborating]
Come in and use the quiet study space within the hub. Meet other international students and enjoy free coffee, tea and snacks. Our friendly Student Services team provides free and confidential help and advice. [Close up of coffee machine, students laughing while enjoying coffee]
You can talk to us about your financial hardship, accommodation issues, your wellbeing, your mental health, employment questions, legal questions or issues you might be having with your education provider. [Meeting space for accommodation and legal advice, student talking with provider. Student touring the hub space]
Study Melbourne hosts a number of free events and programs to help you learn new skills, boost your employability, make new friends and build your professional networking in Victoria. [Students gathering in the kitchen area with long tables to network with others]
Whether you're studying in regional Victoria or in Melbourne, come in and see us. [Student walking into the hub reception area]
We can't wait to meet you! [Study Melbourne logo]
[End transcript]
Get involved in student societies at your institution
A shared passion is the perfect foundation for a friendship. That’s why clubs and societies are a great place to make new friends - because you’ll meet like-minded people.
Your education provider will likely house a vast range of student societies, teams and clubs. These might include cultural or language societies, sports teams and/or subject-specific groups. Other clubs and societies unite people based on hobbies and interests, such as chess, art or even rock climbing.
Open days are another great opportunity to befriend fellow students. An open day is an event during which an institution invites people to visit and explore its campus. They are usually packed with various activities, including guided tours, information sessions and club fairs, where you can join the associations that interest you.
Check out your local library
Melbourne’s libraries offer far more than just books. Getting involved at a library can be an excellent way to join a thriving community and make friends.
For example, the State Library of Victoria offers a range of events throughout the year, including exhibitions, talks, tours and workshops. It even offers events exclusively for international students.
With over 290 public libraries across Victoria, you’re sure to find one near you.
Volunteer
If you’re looking for a meaningful way to contribute to your local community and make friends at the same time, why not try volunteering?
Melbourne - and Victoria more broadly - is home to a wide array of charities, non-profits and community organisations that work towards a better society for all. This means there are plenty of opportunities for international students to explore.
While volunteering is an excellent way to give back, it is also a great way to meet people who share your passions. If someone has taken the time to contribute to the same cause as you, it’s likely that they care deeply about this topic. As a result, you’ll be better able to relate to each other and potentially form a meaningful connection.
Explore community groups
Melbourne is home to many community groups, which provide a platform for you to connect with people who share your background or interests. As a result, you can develop a richer, more diverse network of personal connections.
To find out more, check out our guide to Melbourne’s groups and communities.
Embrace technology
In today’s increasingly digital world, you can do almost anything online - including making friends.
Apps and websites like Bumble for Friends and Meetup have made it easier than ever to meet and mingle with people near you.
When it’s time to meet your online connections face-to-face, it’s important to do so safely. Always make sure your first meeting is in a populated, well-lit area. Ensure someone else knows where you are, who you’re with and when you’ll be back. Avoid sharing too much personal information until you know and trust your new friend.
Learn more about making friends in Melbourne
With these tips in mind, you’re ready to get out there and start building your friendship group in Melbourne.
To check out upcoming events where you can start forming these friendships, head to the Study Melbourne events page.
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