Making Friends, Finding Community, and Belonging: The Ultimate Guide to a Vibrant Social Support System at University

Did you know that today, over six million learners are studying abroad? According to UNESCO, this figure has more than tripled in the last two decades, and the global mobility boom shows no signs of slowing down. 

Thousands of students leave home every year on a grand academic adventure in search of knowledge, connection, and new experiences. They move to new cities, eager to set down roots and find their place in the world. However, the reality of international destinations can sometimes fail to match up to their expectations, especially in terms of social connection.

In a recent survey, 34% of international students said they were lonely, with 65% reporting that they spent most of their time alone. The effects of social isolation among university students are well-documented; it often leads to feelings of aloneness, helplessness, depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns that significantly impact academic outcomes. One of the most effective ways to combat this trend is by building up a supportive social support system early on.

Why is it important to make friends at university?

For many, university is the start of a long-lasting journey of personal growth and expanding worldviews, inspired by a diverse community of peers from different backgrounds and countries around the world. But studying abroad comes with its own unique challenges. Apart from the loneliness pandemic, international students also have to adapt to new environments, new academic material, and completely different cultures. Additionally, they face homesickness and language barriers, along with acute changes in food, housing, finances, and social support, which could take a while to get used to.

That’s why, whether you want to study internationally or go on an exchange abroad, it’s important to view your university experience as the best time to forge lifelong friendships. You’ll find swathes of people facing similar issues as you are, providing common ground that can easily turn into meaningful connections. And while making friends as an adult can be tough, research proves that making the effort to create those close bonds can lead to higher levels of health, happiness, and well-being.  

5 surefire ways to meet new people

A study found that it takes 90 hours for strangers to become friends, and 200 hours to become close friends. That’s time spent outside of work or the classroom, engaged in enjoyable activities or other fun shared experiences. So, the first step to making new friends is finding the best place to meet them. Here are some of our favorite suggestions:

• Participate in Orientation Week: Typically held in the first week of a new school year, Orientation Week is the perfect opportunity to meet other students who are also trying to make new friends. Orientation Week involves numerous induction events, group activities, and introductory exercises, making it an ideal way to cement connections with other students.
• Engage in class activities: Participating actively in class is another great way to make a lasting impression. Talk with your classmates about the program, discuss your lectures, share notes, and collaborate on group projects or presentations. 
• Take part in academic events: Most academic programs offer labs and regular talks, seminars, and workshops to enhance your academic experience. Regularly attending these forums will open up new opportunities for friendship and networking.
• Join a club: At university, there’s always a club that fits your interests—and if there isn’t, you can always start your own. Finding a club or organization that appeals to your unique passion or hobby allows you to join a community with similar values, laying the foundation for meaningful friendships.
• Become a mentor: If you’re an older student, taking incoming learners under your wing in a mentoring program won’t just boost your leadership skills; it will also help you foster friendships with new students as well as other mentors.

How to successfully engage in new activities

Stepping out of your comfort zone in a new city can be an overwhelming prospect. But to make friends locally or abroad, you have to put yourself in various social situations. These four tips will help ensure your chances of success:

• Check your body language: They say first impressions are everything, so make yours count. Be friendly and approachable by smiling, maintaining eye contact, and projecting a cheery, positive attitude. 
• Strike up a conversation: If you feel unsure about starting conversations with strangers or acquaintances, don’t worry: studies show that almost 40% of adults feel the same way. Instead, focus on polishing your small-talk skills and learn a few icebreakers to help you feel more confident in your approach. 
• Become a better listener: We all like to feel seen and heard, so practice your active listening skills in order to stay curious and engaged throughout your conversations. Share tidbits about yourself, but listen more than you speak to absorb others’ perspectives. This will help you learn more about the culture and unique outlook that defines your new city. Also, ask relevant follow-up questions to show they have your undivided attention.
• Be complimentary: Making friends is all about making others feel valued and understood. Offering regular, sincere compliments is a great way to accomplish this while also improving your own well-being. Tell your classmate that you enjoyed their presentation, or pay attention to detail to identify the small things that make them unique. 

Start feeling like you belong

At university, a student’s sense of belonging can influence their motivation, drive, resilience, and overall personal and professional success. That’s why it’s vital to take advantage of any support services available, particularly those geared to international students. To this end, most universities offer various initiatives designed to make the study abroad experience feel as friendly and inclusive as possible:

• Take language classes to help you learn the local language. Knowing the language will also open up doors for social interaction.
• Find a conversation partner to gain proficiency faster and boost your confidence.
• Join the relevant cultural club or center to meet other students from your country and stay connected to your roots.
• Rely on academic and career guidance services specifically tailored to international students to get assistance with the unique challenges you’ll face while studying abroad.
• Attend community events to strengthen social ties and plug into the local community, building lasting friendships and gaining valuable support along the way.

Build your support system

Being at university is a journey of constant growth. As you navigate this new chapter, meaningful friendships will help you find your way, especially if you’re studying abroad. True connections take time and effort to bloom, and can require you to step out of your comfort zone. But knowing how to build community will greatly improve your experience, not just at university, but after graduation and beyond.