Join Extracurricular Activities
Worried about what to talk to new people about? Becoming a member of extracurricular activities like clubs or sports will put you in contact with people who share the same interests. What is more, joining these kinds of groups can do more than build lifelong friendships, it can help you develop valuable skills. Be courageous and join an organisation that you are unfamiliar with. Make the effort to reach out to students who are not part of your programme and use this as another opportunity to learn outside of the classroom. The best part is you do not even have to leave campus to meet these people.
If there are no extracurricular activities you want to join, but have an interest or a passion, then create one yourself! Set up a group or find a bunch of like minded people and start something special – it is a fast track to making good friends.
Volunteer or Intern
When you take on an internship on volunteer with an organisation, you are opening yourself up to a whole world of opportunities. Interning will provide you with valuable work experience that you will definitely be able to use in the future and add to your resume. Volunteering requires working with a team, and being able to work with people from all walks of life will make you more tolerant and open-minded; abilities that will be needed should you ever find yourself in an international environment. Make sure to choose an organisation or a cause that you are passionate about so that the experience will be even more meaningful to you.
If you choose an area you are interested in, then you open yourself up to friendship very easily by meeting and working with like-minded people on a daily basis.
Language Exchanges
Do you already speak a foreign language, or do you want to practise one that you are learning? Even though there are plenty of apps that can help you practise, there is nothing like a real-life conversation to really make progress. Topics are usually provided, so do not worry that you will not have anything to talk about. Also, by meeting people with interests in the same foreign language and culture as you, you can find out about local restaurants or other cultural events. Who knows, you may even pick up another language by the end of a semester or be inspired to do a study abroad programme!
This is a great way to meet people if you are studying in a new country, especially one where your native tongue is not spoken.
Social Media Channels
Once you start meeting new people, do not forget to add them on social media. This is an easy way to keep in touch and learn about their interests. It is a small world nowadays; do not be surprised if you even have some friends in common! Using the events feature on Facebook, you can find other meet-ups or cultural events in your area where you can easily meet new people. Follow your university’s accounts to stay up to date on student social life events. Also, make sure to follow any clubs or groups that you may be a part of as this is a great way to allow other members to easily find you.
Conclusion
With a healthy social life, your entire university experience will change. You will discover places that maybe you never would have discovered on your own. You may even discover things you did not know about yourself. Doors will open for you when you remember to always be yourself, be confident, and open-minded. Do not wait until the end to start meeting people, start as soon as you can!
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