How to make friends

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.

[End transcript]

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.

Join the Study Melbourne Facebook Group

The Study Melbourne Facebook Group is one of the best resources for international students looking to form new friendships.

Here you’ll find insightful articles and how-to guides, upcoming events and activities, along with insider tips on local activities and festivals. There are also videos featuring current and former international students, which offer valuable insights on how to make the most of your time in Australia.

You can even use the Study Melbourne Facebook Group to connect with other international students just like you. You can comment on posts within the group or publish a post yourself to share your experiences and see what others have to say.

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.

Best of all, the Study Melbourne Hub hosts free events throughout the year, including the Empowered Series . This event series helps build international students’ skills in 4 key areas: leadership and volunteering ; equality and inclusion; digital skills and innovation; employability and entrepreneurship . The activities vary by event, ranging from socials to workshops to talks. No matter the format, these events are the perfect place to meet new people and make friends.

View transcript

[Inspiring music, visuals of students waving at camera, followed by montage of students arriving at and enjoying and event the MCG]

Roshni: Hi, come with me to meet new people whom I met through Study Melbourne.

To be honest, at first I was very nervous, but as we introduced ourselves, we got along very well, and now we are kind of friends.

Thank you, Study Melbourne.

[On-screen logo]

Study Melbourne Victoria, Australia

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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.