'As a student in the UK, you will meet people from all over the world and make friends for life. '
Many students planning to study in the UK worry about making friends. It can seem a little scary at first, moving to a new country where you don’t know anybody, but don’t worry. The UK is a friendly place, and you will have lots of opportunities to meet people.
Here are our top tips for making friends as as student in the UK:
Here are our top tips for making friends as as student in the UK:
Make friends with your course mates and house mates
Perhaps the easiest way to make friends in the UK is to get to know the people on your course. There will be lots of opportunities for you to do this during your classes – for example your teacher might ask you to do some group work with your classmates.
If you are in student halls, a boarding house or shared accommodation, then think about how you can make friends and socialise with your house mates. Suggest cooking a meal together or watching a film – you'll quickly feel at home once you've got to know each other.
Join your international student society
Each year, 500,000 international students from 200 nations come to the UK to study at a school, college or university, and a further 600,000 students come to do a short English language course.
To help international students settle in the UK and make friends, many schools, colleges and universities run an international society. It's a great idea to join such a society if there is one at your institution.
Perhaps the easiest way to make friends in the UK is to get to know the people on your course. There will be lots of opportunities for you to do this during your classes – for example your teacher might ask you to do some group work with your classmates.
If you are in student halls, a boarding house or shared accommodation, then think about how you can make friends and socialise with your house mates. Suggest cooking a meal together or watching a film – you'll quickly feel at home once you've got to know each other.
Join your international student society
Each year, 500,000 international students from 200 nations come to the UK to study at a school, college or university, and a further 600,000 students come to do a short English language course.
To help international students settle in the UK and make friends, many schools, colleges and universities run an international society. It's a great idea to join such a society if there is one at your institution.
A typical international society will host social events such as parties, pub quizzes, and film nights. They might also offer day trips to tourist attractions in your local area.
Take up a hobby
Would you like to try mountain climbing, chess, dance or photography? Perhaps you’re more into football, painting or learning languages? Taking up a new hobby is a great way to make new friends who have the same interests as you.
Most UK schools, colleges and universities run lots of sport, art and social groups you can join. Look on the noticeboards around your campus to see what is on offer or ask your fellow students and teachers.
You could also look at what is on offer in your town – have a look in your local newspaper or on the internet to see what is happening.
And if your group of choice doesn't exist already then you can set one up! Not only will you get a chance to start something great and meet people, but it also looks great on your CV!
Would you like to try mountain climbing, chess, dance or photography? Perhaps you’re more into football, painting or learning languages? Taking up a new hobby is a great way to make new friends who have the same interests as you.
Most UK schools, colleges and universities run lots of sport, art and social groups you can join. Look on the noticeboards around your campus to see what is on offer or ask your fellow students and teachers.
You could also look at what is on offer in your town – have a look in your local newspaper or on the internet to see what is happening.
And if your group of choice doesn't exist already then you can set one up! Not only will you get a chance to start something great and meet people, but it also looks great on your CV!
Finally, don't be shy!
Try not to be afraid to start conversations or go up to people when you are out and about. The UK is a very welcoming and diverse place and many people will be happy to show you around and introduce you to UK life.
