Tips for international students to make friends abroad

The first week is crucial. Think of it as your own Hogwarts Sorting Ceremony, only without the talking hat. Everyone is nervous, everyone wants to belong, and no one has figured out where to sit in the Great Hall yet. This is the best time to connect.

• Dorm life is your friend: If you're living in a dorm, you've already won half the battle. Your neighbours are your first line of defence against loneliness. Leave your door open. It’s a universal “come say hi” signal. Want bonus points? Invite people to share a snack in the common room. For international students, food is one of the easiest and most universal icebreakers.

• Embrace the awkward: Conversations will sometimes feel clumsy. You may forget names or stumble over words. That’s okay! Awkwardness often turns into shared laughter and later into inside jokes, which international students especially treasure as they adjust to life abroad. Remember, Harry and Ron’s clumsy first chat on the train before becoming inseparable?

• Say "yes" to opportunities: Whether it’s a casual dinner invite, a campus tour, or joining a quirky club, be open to new experiences. For international students, every “yes” is a chance to meet new people and find their version of a golden trio—just like Harry, Hermione, and Ron in the series.

Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, it’s time to branch out. Think of it as leaving Gryffindor Tower to explore the rest of Hogwarts. Some of the best friendships for international students happen when you step beyond your comfort zone.

• Join clubs, don’t just stare at them: Most universities have a student fair. Go to it. Walk around. Sign up for everything that sounds even remotely interesting. Don't just look at the table for the "Bonsai Tree Appreciation Club" and walk away. Talk to the person there. Ask a question. "Is it true that bonsais get emotional?" It's a great way to start a conversation. Sports, arts, and cultural groups are great ways to meet local and international students.

• The power of classmates: When you're in a lecture, sit next to someone new each time. Don't be afraid to ask for help, even if you don't need it. For international students, even a small question like “Did you get what the professor meant?” can spark a useful conversation and build connections in academic spaces.

• Master the art of the "I Need Help" text: Need to find a good cafe? Ask a classmate. Want to know if the library is open late? Ask the person you just met at a club meeting. People enjoy being helpful. These small requests give others a chance to step in. And before you know it, you’ve built a natural back-and-forth with other international students that can grow into a real friendship.

You've got some new numbers in your phone. Now what? This is where the real work begins for international students.

• Plan group outings: Don't just wait for an invitation. Be the person who organises something. "Hey, I'm thinking of checking out that street food market this weekend. Anyone want to come?" Group activities are often less intimidating than one-on-one hangouts. It's a great way for international students to deepen connections.

• Be a good listener: People love talking about themselves. Go beyond the basics. Instead of just asking, "Where are you from?" try, "What's the best thing about where you grew up?" If they mention their cat's name is Bartholomew, ask about Bartholomew next time you see them. Remembering small details shows you care, and it helps international students bridge cultural gaps.

• Learn a new skill together: Want to learn how to cook something from a different culture? Ask a friend to teach you. Want to learn a few phrases in their language? Ask them to help. Shared learning is a fantastic way for international students to bond and celebrate cultural diversity.

Studying abroad isn't just about making friends; it's about forming friendships with people from all over the world. This can be tricky, but it's also what makes the experience so rich.

• Be open-minded: What you consider "normal" might be totally different for someone else. Be prepared for different communication styles, different views on personal space, and different ways of showing affection. Don't judge. Just observe and adapt. Think of it like walking into the Yule Ball for the first time, with new outfits, dances, and traditions. It might be unfamiliar, but it’s also unforgettable when you embrace it.

• Ask questions (politely!): If you’re unsure about something, ask. A gentle question like, “Hey, I noticed people here often do X. Could you tell me more about it?” shows curiosity and respect. In the Harry Potter books, Harry was never afraid to question Hagrid about magical creatures. A thoughtful question can open doors, build trust, and help you understand cultural “spells” you haven’t mastered yet. It’s essential for international students adjusting to new environments.

• Share your own culture: Don’t forget to bring your own magic to the table. Share your food, music, or traditions, like Ron introducing Harry to wizard chess. For international students, sharing your culture gives others a chance to know you, not just your accent or passport.

IDP organises pre-departure sessions where students can meet others from their home country going to the same destination. This helps them build friendships and a support system even before they leave. Students can also join IDP’s student communities and alumni networks to not only make new friends but also explore career opportunities.

Talk to an IDP counsellor for free if you need any help.

You can also join the IDP Student Community to meet thousands of other international students across the world (and also at your university) to connect, share, and make lasting friendships.

Making friends while studying abroad isn’t about casting the perfect spell. It’s about showing up, trying new things, and embracing the moments that feel a little awkward. For international students, every conversation is like stepping into a new chapter at Hogwarts: sometimes nerve-wracking, often surprising, but always full of possibility.

Some friendships will feel like your own Golden Trio, lasting through every challenge. Others may be more like a friendly Quidditch match, fun, exciting, and short-lived. Both are valuable.

So, leave your door open (literally and figuratively). Your next adventure and your next friend might be waiting just around the corner.