How to Make Friends in College as an International Student in Australia

Studying in Australia is a huge milestone. You’ve moved countries, left familiar faces behind, stepped into a new education system, and found yourself surrounded by people who seem to already know how everything works.
It’s exciting - and also intimidating and lonely in ways people don’t talk about enough.

Many international students describe their first weeks at uni as a mix of hope and homesickness. You’re trying to learn the campus layout, understand the local accent, manage your studies, navigate part-time work, and make friends - all at once. Some days it feels impossible. Other days you take one small step that reminds you why you came.

If making friends feels slow or confusing, it’s not because you’re doing something wrong.
You’re adjusting to a new country, a new culture, and a new social rhythm - and that takes time.

This guide will help you build meaningful friendships in Australia without losing yourself or forcing anything that feels uncomfortable.

Why Making Friends Feels Different When You Study Abroad

Leaving home reshapes your emotional world. You’re not just moving to another country - you’re moving away from your identity as you’ve always known it.

Here’s why it can feel unusually challenging:

You miss the comfort of being understood instantly.

At home, people get your humour, gestures, and expressions. In Australia, you may find yourself explaining things you’ve never had to explain before.

You feel pressure to “fit in fast.”

Other students seem to form groups quickly, which can make you feel behind even when you’re not. But this pressure is actually very common, even for local students.

Culture shock is real.

Even simple things - ordering coffee, class participation, group work styles - can feel unfamiliar at first.

You’re navigating loneliness and independence at the same time.

Two very heavy emotional tasks that often happen silently.

You’re building connection in a language that may not be your first.

This adds an extra layer of fatigue and insecurity, especially in social settings.

What you’re feeling is completely normal.
It’s not a sign that you won’t make friends - it’s simply part of adjusting to a new culture.

Understanding Australian Social Culture (So You Don’t Misread the Signals)

Australian students are friendly - but the friendliness shows up differently than in many other cultures.

Here are a few things worth knowing:

Australians are warm, but not always quick to open up.

You may get smiles, nods, jokes, and light conversation before deeper friendships develop. This isn’t rejection - it’s normal here.

Humour is dry, casual, and sometimes self-deprecating.

Aussie humour often relies on teasing, understatement, or sarcasm. It’s not meant to exclude you.

People hang out in small groups rather than big social circles.

The tighter the group, the slower the entry - but once you’re in, the bond is strong.

Students may appear distant when they’re actually shy or busy.

Many students juggle work, study, and long commutes.

Everyone appreciates effort.

A simple “Want to join my study group?” or “Do you want to grab coffee after class?” is almost always welcomed.

Understanding these unspoken cultural rhythms can change the way you see your interactions - and help you feel more confident.

The First Few Weeks: Making Space for Connection Without Overwhelm

Your first weeks don’t need to be socially intense. Instead, aim to create small openings for connection.

Let yourself observe before you jump in.

It’s okay to take your time. Watch how people interact, listen to accents, learn the flow of the campus.

Attend events without expecting instant friendship.

Orientation programs, club fairs, and welcome sessions are great for exposure - not necessarily deep connection.

Look for familiar faces.

Sit near the same people in your lectures and tutorials. Recognition builds comfort.

Start with one small conversation a day.

A question about the class, a comment about the workload, or a simple “How are you finding your first week?”
Tiny interactions build foundations.

The goal is not to become social overnight - it’s to let comfort grow naturally.

How to Meet People at Uni When You’re an International Student

Making friends at uni isn’t about doing everything - it’s about choosing environments that feel manageable and genuine.

Here are a few spaces where friendships naturally take shape:

Tutorials and small classes

These allow more conversation and repeated interaction.

Group projects

A great place to bond, because you’re working toward a shared goal.

Student societies and clubs

Interest-based groups help you meet people who already share your hobbies, whether that’s sport, music, culture, gaming, or something creative. If you’re not sure where to start, our guide on how to find hobby groups and build interest-based friendships in Australia has a lot of ideas that apply on and off campus.

Campus jobs

Working at the library, café, or student office gives you regular social contact.

Workshops, study groups, or language exchange events

Structured environments remove the pressure to “perform” socially.

Multicultural clubs or international student groups

Here, you’ll meet people who understand culture shock first-hand.

Friendship Beyond Campus - Finding Comfort in Your New City

University is only part of your life in Australia - and sometimes the most meaningful friendships form outside campus walls.

Here are gentle ways to connect with people in your new city:

Join cultural communities or events

Food festivals, cultural clubs, and community gatherings can feel like home when you’re far from home. Local councils and community centres often list these events on their websites, and platforms like Study Australia and state government international student hubs also highlight multicultural activities and support services.

Visit cafés, libraries, and markets regularly

Familiarity builds naturally over time when people see you often. Becoming “a regular” somewhere can be a surprisingly powerful step toward feeling at home.

For ideas on using local spaces to connect, Explore Australia’s Museums and Make Friends as a Newcomer offers a nice, low-pressure starting point.

Join local interest-based groups

Art, sport, music, gaming, volunteering - these environments create effortless connection.

Explore weekend activities

Walks, hikes, and local events help you settle into your new surroundings while meeting people along the way.

Friendships can come from unexpected places - a classmate, a neighbour, a café regular, or someone who shares your hobby.

If English Isn’t Your First Language

This is one of the most common worries international students have - and one of the least talked about.

It’s okay to ask someone to repeat themselves.

Australians speak fast and use slang. You’re not alone if you hear “arvo,” “amp up,” or “keen” and think, what?

You don’t need perfect grammar to connect.

People care far more about kindness and effort than flawless English.

You might get socially tired faster - that’s normal.

Speaking in a second language all day is exhausting. Take breaks when you need to.

Your accent is part of your identity, not an obstacle.

Many Aussies admire other accents - it makes conversations more interesting.

Mixed-language groups can help you ease in.

It’s easier to build confidence when surrounded by other international students experiencing the same challenges.

Language doesn’t need to be perfect for connection to feel real.

Balancing Study, Work & Social Life (A Realistic Approach)

International students often carry heavier responsibilities than local students:

• long study hours

• part-time or casual work

• financial pressure

• visa rules

• family expectations

• adjusting to new systems

This means your social life may look different - and that’s okay.

Focus on quality, not quantity.

You don’t need a huge friend group. One or two genuine friendships can make your life here feel grounded and warm.

Choose social activities that match your time and energy.

It’s okay if you can only attend an event once a week or once a month.

Let friendships grow slowly.

International students often build deep, loyal friendships - but they take time.

Your social life doesn’t need to be “active” to be meaningful.

A Gentle 30-60 Day Friendship-Building Plan for International Students

Think of this not as a schedule, but as an emotional roadmap.

Days 1-14: Observe, settle, adjust.

Find your rhythm, familiar spots, and people you see often.

Weeks 3-6: Start showing up intentionally.

Join one club, attend one workshop, or start one routine.

Weeks 6-10: Build familiarity.

Sit near the same classmates, attend small events, say yes to short hangouts.

Weeks 10-12: Deepen the connections that feel warm.

A study session, a coffee catchup, a short walk.

Friendships form not from pressure - but from gentle repetition.

Final Thoughts: You Haven’t “Missed Out” - You’re Just Beginning

Being an international student is brave. You’ve started a new life in a new country - and that alone makes you stronger and more adaptable than you realise.

Friendships will come.
Not all at once, not always instantly, and not always where you expect - but slowly, warmly, and through moments that feel right for you.

You don’t need to change who you are.
You just need to keep showing up - gently, consistently - in places where connection can grow.

Your people are here.
And you’ll find them in your own time.