In 2023, I decided to be adventurous and move halfway across the world for four months on exchange to the University of Sussex through Go Global. The months leading up to my exchange term were very stressful because I was unsure of what to expect. I was terrified that I would be alone for 4 months and make no friends. Now that I am back, I can successfully say that it was not at all as terrifying as I thought it would be.
Here are some tips that helped me make friends abroad:
Be open-minded and explore new things.
At the University of Sussex, the first week before classes begin is known as “freshers week”. During this time, the university offers various parties, activities, and welcome events for you to attend. Make sure to not miss this week because it is the optimal time to make new friends. Step out of your comfort zone and go to the start-of-year party, attend the exchange student welcome event, and stop by the other cute activities that are happening on campus. On my first day, I attended the exchange student welcome event, where I met so many cool and interesting people, all wanting to connect. After the event, a group of us all decided to go to the party happening on campus, which allowed us to interact with even more people.
Get out of your shell and join the group chats.
Another way I met new people was by joining different exchange group chats. Usually, people will make group chats on WhatsApp or Instagram and pass them around during the exchange student meet-up or orientation. In the group chat people will message regarding upcoming events or places they’re going to, and let the other students know so they can join. If there is no group chat, make one! During my first week, I joined two WhatsApp group chats and met one of my closest friends on exchange. My friend and I sent a message to the chat letting everyone know that we were at pub quiz night and welcomed others to join, so it really is a system that works.
Befriend people in your classes or join a club/society/team.
Another sure-fire way to meet new people is to look outside the exchange bubble and interact with the local students. I made friends with a couple of girls from my English class, and it was a great way to get recommendations about local spots and things that were happening around the city. Choosing a club or sport you are interested in is also a definite way to meet like-minded people.
No matter where I go, I always feel anxiety related to making new friends and having a good time. However, by going to many events, and talking to as many people as I could during my first few weeks, I was able to make incredible life-long friends. I hope these tips will be useful for all your exchange adventures. Let us know what some of the methods you use to try to make friends in new environments in the comments below.
