Starting university in a new country is exciting, but it can also feel a bit daunting when it comes to making friends. As an international student in the UK, you’re not alone in feeling nervous, many others are in the same boat and looking to connect. The good news is that UK universities are very social and welcoming.
Here are some of the best ways to build friendships and a support network during your studies:
Connect early through social media and orientation
Don’t wait until classes start to reach out: Many universities have unofficial Instagram or Facebook “freshers” pages and group chats where new students introduce themselves. Try searching your uni’s name plus “freshers 2025”, you might find course mates or even future flatmates to chat with.
Forums like The Student Room also tend to have threads where people share info and arrange meetups. Just remember to stay safe online.
Attend international orientation if offered: UK universities usually host an Orientation Week specifically for international students before the main Freshers’ Week. It’s a chance to get familiar with the campus, settle practical matters, and crucially, meet fellow international students from day one. Everyone there is new and eager to make friends, so say hello and swap contact details.
Many unis also run “buddy” schemes that pair you with a current student. A friendly buddy can introduce you to others and show you around.
Dive into Freshers’ Week events
Once the full student body arrives, Freshers’ Week (welcome week) kicks off with countless social events. From campus fairs and society taster sessions to movie nights, quizzes and themed parties, there’s something for everyone. Make the most of these events, because the first few weeks are when friendship groups haven’t fully formed yet.
In fact, most new students (home and international alike) have left home for the first time and are just as keen to find a friendly face as you are. Go to as many events as you feel comfortable with and be open to chatting with the people you meet. Even simple conversations about where you’re from or what you’re studying can spark a connection.
If you’re not into drinking or clubbing, don’t worry. Universities know not everyone wants a pub crawl, so you’ll find plenty of alcohol-free socials, cultural evenings, sports trials, and coffee meetups. Don’t feel pressured to drink if it’s not your thing, British student culture can be boozy, but do only what you’re comfortable with. The key is to show up and get involved in whatever interests you.
Join societies and clubs
One of the best ways to meet people in the UK is by joining student societies or clubs. Universities here have hundreds of societies, from sports teams and dance clubs to hobby groups and cultural associations. It’s often said that there’s a club for everyone, even the quirkiest hobbies. Societies give you ready-made opportunities to connect with others who share your interests, which is the perfect icebreaker. For example, if you love music, join the music society; if you’re into anime, there’s probably an anime club. You’ll instantly have something in common to chat about, and societies usually host regular meetups and socials to help members bond over their shared passion.
Make sure to visit the Freshers’ Fair where all the clubs promote themselves. Sign up for a few that genuinely excite you. By attending society meetings or practice sessions, you’ll widen your circle beyond just your course or flat. And don’t limit yourself to just one group of friends, it’s great to have friends from your course, another set from a club, and maybe others from your accommodation. This way, you’ll always have someone to hang out with and experience different sides of uni life.
Bond with your flatmates and classmates
Your living situation can play a big role in your social life. If you’re in shared student accommodation, take advantage of it. Be friendly and talk to your flatmates, these are the people you’ll see every day, and they can become like a little family abroad. So invite your flatmates to hang out in the common area, watch a show together, or try each other’s cooking. Maybe organize a casual potluck dinner where everyone contributes a dish (sharing food from your home country is a fun conversation starter!).
Don’t forget your course classmates as another friend source. Try arriving a few minutes early to lectures or seminars and chatting with the person next to you. Ask if they’ve found the lecture hall alright, or what other classes they take, anything to break the ice. Most people are happy to chat and are looking to make friends too. If English isn’t your first language, don’t be self-conscious, UK students won’t laugh at your English; they’ll be curious about your background and usually happy that you’re making the effort. Working on group projects or study groups is also a great way to turn classmates into friends. Suggest grabbing a coffee after class or forming a study session together. Little gestures like these go a long way.
Final reassurance
Making friends as an international student may feel challenging at first, but it’s also one of the most rewarding parts of studying in the UK. You get to meet people from diverse backgrounds, learn about new cultures, and share your own. Everyone is looking for connection, so take the initiative! smile, say hello, and suggest hanging out. Whether it’s through joining a society, bonding with your flatmates over dinner, or teaming up for a volunteering project, you have many opportunities to form friendships that could last a lifetime.
