How to Make Friends as an International Student in Australia

Moving to Australia as an international student is an exciting chapter, but it can feel daunting to build a social circle in a new country. Don’t worry— Aussies are known for their laid-back, welcoming vibe, and there are plenty of ways to connect. Here are five practical tips to help you make friends and feel at home while studying in Australia.

1. Join University Clubs and Societies

Your university is a goldmine for meeting people with shared interests. Most Australian universities, like the University of Melbourne or UNSW, offer hundreds of student-run clubs, from cultural groups to sports teams and hobby societies.

• How to Start: Check your uni’s website or student union for a clubs directory. Attend orientation week events to sign up.
• Why It Works: Clubs host regular meetups, making it easy to bond over activities like hiking, photography, or even K-pop dance.
• Example: Joining a coffee club could lead to weekly café chats, while a soccer team might mean post-game BBQs.

Tip: Don’t be shy—everyone’s there to connect! For a list of clubs, visit your uni’s student portal or sites like Australian Universities Guide for general info on uni life.

2. Attend Cultural and Community Events

Australia’s multicultural scene is vibrant, with festivals celebrating everything from Diwali to Lunar New Year. These events are perfect for meeting locals and other international students.

• Where to Look: Check Eventbrite or your city council’s website (e.g., City of Sydney Events) for free or low-cost events.
• Get Involved: Volunteer at festivals or join cultural associations, like the Indian Students Association or Chinese Cultural Society.
• Fun Fact: Over 30% of Australians were born overseas, so you’re likely to find others who share your background or are curious about it (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2021).

Pro Tip: Bring a friend from class to events—it’s less intimidating and sparks natural conversations.

3. Engage in Class and Study Groups

Your classmates are a built-in network, and group projects or study sessions are great ways to break the ice.

• Take the Lead: Suggest a study group for an upcoming exam or assignment. Share notes or snacks to keep it friendly.
• Stay Open: Invite both local and international students to mix perspectives and build diverse friendships.
• Real Story: Linh, a Vietnamese student in Perth, made lifelong friends by organizing a weekly Zoom study group during her first semester at Curtin University.

Resource: Many unis offer academic skills workshops that double as social opportunities—check your library’s website for details.

4. Explore Part-Time Work or Volunteering

Part-time jobs or volunteer roles aren’t just about earning money—they’re social hubs. As a student visa holder, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during term time, per Australian Government Department of Home Affairs.

• Job Ideas: Try cafés, retail, or campus roles like student ambassador. These jobs involve teamwork and casual chats.
• Volunteering: Organizations like Red Cross or local community gardens welcome students. Search for opportunities on Seek Volunteer.
• Why It’s Great: Workmates often become friends, especially during staff outings or breaks.

Quick Win: A barista job might lead to invites for after-work drinks, while volunteering could connect you with passionate locals.

5. Use Online Communities Wisely

Social media and apps can bridge the gap when you’re new in town.

• Join Groups: Look for Facebook groups like “International Students in Melbourne” or “Brisbane Student Meetups.” Reddit’s r/Australia or city-specific subs are also active.
• Meet Safely: Apps like Meetup host group activities, from language exchanges to trivia nights. Always meet in public places.
• Stay Balanced: Online connections are great, but prioritize face-to-face hangouts for deeper bonds.

Example: Priyank, an Indian student in Adelaide, joined a hiking group via Meetup and now has a crew for weekend adventures.

A Final Word

Making friends as an international student in Australia takes a bit of courage, but every step you take—whether joining a club, chatting in class, or attending a festival—builds your community. Be yourself, stay open, and soon you’ll have mates to share Tim Tams and beach trips with. Keep following International Student Tips for more advice on thriving Down Under!

Have a friend-making story or tip? Share it with us in the comments!