{"id":18397,"date":"2025-07-21T22:38:30","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T22:38:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=18397"},"modified":"2025-07-21T22:38:30","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T22:38:30","slug":"experts-reveal-10-ways-to-make-friends-and-feel-at-home-as-an-international-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=18397","title":{"rendered":"Experts Reveal 10 Ways to Make Friends and Feel at Home as an International Student"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\t\tMoneymagpie Team<\/small><\/p>\n

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\n\t\t<\/i> 21st Jul 2025<\/small>
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\t\t\t\t\t\tReading Time:<\/span> 5<\/span> minutes<\/span><\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n

Moving to a new country for university can be a mixed bag of emotions; curiosity, excitement and a sense of liberation paired with nerves, overwhelm and even a little imposter syndrome. New people, new food, maybe even a new language \u2013 each of these aspects can be equal parts enthralling and daunting for young students taking their first steps into adulthood in a new setting.<\/span><\/p>\n

Making friends and feeling at home as an international student takes time, a bit of effort, and a lot of self-care and self-kindness. As the saying goes, \u201cpatience is a virtue\u201d\u2026but there are ways to make the process a little easier.<\/span><\/p>\n

Whether you\u2019re heading to a\u00a0<\/span>student apartment in London<\/span>, Lisbon or Loughborough, these 10 tips \u2013 presented by a team of student housing experts \u2013 will help you build real, meaningful connections with others, find your rhythm, and feel more at home \u2013 wherever you are.<\/span><\/p>\n

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  1. Make your space <\/span>yours<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Cook what you miss (and share it)<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Find your daily rhythm<\/a><\/li>\n
  4. Use the support that\u2019s there<\/a><\/li>\n
  5. Get out and explore<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Mind your mental health<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Volunteer Your Time<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Let tech work\u00a0<\/span>for<\/span>\u00a0you<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Say yes, even when it\u2019s awkward<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  10. Don\u2019t rush<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    <\/a>1. Make your space\u00a0<\/span>yours<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Your room is so much more than four walls and a bed; it\u2019s your little corner of calm in a whirlwind of change. Decorate your space with photos, familiar trinkets, and comfort items like your favourite fragrance, blanket or mug that reminds you of home. The smallest detail can make a space feel safe, familiar, and ultimately yours.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>2. Cook what you miss (and share it)<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Food is a powerful emotional tool that involves all the senses, and the smell and taste of your favourite meal from home can help keep homesickness at bay, while easing away the unfamiliarity of a new country. International supermarkets are great for finding the right ingredients to help you recreate something you love, and you can often find other treats and comfort foods from home that will help you feel more settled.<\/span><\/p>\n

    There\u2019s also something to be said for the shared experience of food. Cooking your national dish for your new housemates or friends can be a wonderful way to build cultural bridges, forge friendships and share comforting stories of home.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>3. Find your daily rhythm<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Having some kind of routine \u2013 even a loose one \u2013 can help you feel more stable. Setting a regular time to wake up, picking a cosy caf\u00e9 to study in, or taking a walk at the same time each day gives shape, purpose and familiarity to your week.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re still getting used to the local language, apps like Duolingo can help you squeeze in practice for speaking with locals, while weekly check-ins with family and friends back home helps you stay connected.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>4. Use the support that\u2019s there<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Most universities offer a lot more support for international students than people realise. Academic mentors, mental health services, student societies \u2013 these are all great resources to take advantage of. It\u2019s important to take action early in these areas \u2013 don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re struggling to reach out.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Beyond the official stuff, try to find\u00a0<\/span>your<\/span>\u00a0people. It might just be one or two close friends or flatmates, but having a couple of familiar faces to spend time with can make all the difference.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>5. Get out and explore<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Staying on campus all day might seem tempting, but it\u2019s best to avoid this habit. The more you see of your new city, the more connected you\u2019ll feel to it. Wander through markets, try the street food, get lost in bookshops or sign up for a local event, even if you go by yourself.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Talks, gallery openings, book signings \u2013 community events like these are great ways to meet like-minded people. Shared interests often lead to shared experiences, which can be perfect for sparking conversation and building new friendships.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>6. Mind your mental health<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Homesickness is a very normal part of studying abroad, and it\u2019s true that some days, it\u2019ll hit you harder than others. That\u2019s normal. Take time to be kind to yourself; Try journalling, mindfulness apps, or even just a quiet walk to clear your head. Don\u2019t forget the importance of good sleep and rest for your general mood.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If things start to feel too much, don\u2019t stay quiet. Talk to someone. Your university likely offers free counselling, and using this is a sign of strength, not struggle.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>7. Volunteer Your Time<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Helping out in the community isn\u2019t just good karma, it\u2019s also a great way to meet people and feel like part of something bigger in your local area. Look for volunteering schemes through your uni or local charities. Food banks, beach clean-ups, fundraising events \u2013 pick something that speaks to your values, and you\u2019re more likely to meet like-minded people.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Many universities also have buddy or peer support programmes to connect you with students who have been in your shoes, and know what it\u2019s like to be new somewhere.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>8. Let tech work\u00a0<\/span>for<\/span>\u00a0you<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Tech can keep you close to home\u00a0<\/span>and\u00a0<\/span>help you branch out. Use video calls, shared calendars, or just the occasional meme drop in a family or friends group chat to stay connected with home.<\/span><\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re keen to connect with new people, apps like Meetup are great for finding groups of people with shared interests. Bumble BFF is a good option if you\u2019re looking for mates rather than dates, and even Eventbrite can be great for discovering everything from yoga sessions to language exchanges.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>9. Say yes, even when it\u2019s awkward<\/span><\/h2>\n

    You don\u2019t need to be wildly outgoing to make friends, but you\u00a0<\/span>do<\/span>\u00a0need to be open to it. When someone invites you for coffee, an event, or even a casual hangout \u2013 go! You can always leave early if it\u2019s not your vibe, but half the battle is just showing up, and you may find you\u2019re glad you did.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Most meaningful connections happen in the small, unplanned moments. Give yourself a chance to stumble into them.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/a>10. Don\u2019t rush<\/span><\/h2>\n

    At the start of this article, we said that \u201cpatience is a virtue\u201d \u2013 and this feels like a good note to end on as well. Truthfully, there\u2019s no time limit for how long it will take to feel \u2018settled\u2019 in your new area. Some people adjust faster than others, and that\u2019s okay \u2013 it\u2019s not a race to the finish line. Be kind to yourself, and take things at your own pace.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Notice the little, everyday wins: your first real chat in a second language, your first successful supermarket shop, the day the bartender remembers your name. These tiny moments mean you\u2019re already finding your feet and making a new home.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Enjoy Your New Home\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Being an international student can be a wonderful experience, and an opportunity to weave your culture, identity, and experiences into a new environment, while letting it grow inside you as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Friendships, familiarity, confidence \u2013 these things will come, and one day, without even realising it, you\u2019ll wake up and think \u201c<\/span>this feels like home\u201d<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n