Disclosure: The Graduate Samaritan is a free independent blog supported by its readers; this post may contain affiliate links that may earn a tiny commission to help the blog sustain itself, thank you for supporting this independent blog! (full disclaimer here)
Starting university in a new country is exciting, but it can also feel a little overwhelming. As an international student, making friends might seem like one of the biggest challenges.
But don’t worry—you’re not alone in this. Every year, thousands of international students 🌍 settle into life at university in the UK and make strong, lasting friendships.
Here are 10 friendly tips to help you settle in, connect with others, and truly enjoy your uni experience in the UK 🇬🇧.
1. 👋 Say Hi First (It’s Less Awkward Than You Think)
Everyone’s looking to make friends at university—yes, even the locals! Taking the first step shows confidence (even if you’re faking it 😅).
- Smile and introduce yourself in class or at events
- Start with a simple “Hey, where are you from?”
- Invite someone to grab coffee after a lecture
Remember: most students are just as nervous as you are, especially in the first few weeks. Being the one to break the ice makes you more approachable—and others will appreciate it.
If it feels too scary at first, try starting with small talk in a shared space like your kitchen or before a lecture starts. You’ll be surprised how quickly a short chat turns into a friendly bond.
💡 Pro Tip: Practise a few friendly phrases before class. Something like “Hi, I’m new here—mind if I sit next to you?” works like magic and shows you’re open to connection.
Remember, small hellos can lead to big friendships!
2. 🧩 Join Clubs and Societies
Your uni probably has hundreds of clubs and societies—from football and photography to K-pop dance or cultural groups.
💡 Visit the Freshers Fair or student union page and sign up for anything that sounds fun.
Whether you’re a beginner or pro, joining in is the best way to meet people with shared interests!
Many clubs host welcome events or beginner-friendly sessions, so there’s no pressure to be an expert. Some even offer free food—bonus! 🍕 Don’t be afraid to go alone—most students are also there to make new friends.
👉 Recommended: Check out our list of the Best Books to Improve Social Skills at Uni
3. 🇬🇧 Dive Into British Culture (But Share Yours Too!)
Adapting to a new culture is part of the fun—and challenge—of studying abroad. Embracing local traditions can help you feel more connected:
- Try a roast dinner 🍽️
- Go to a pub quiz 🍺
- Watch some classic British TV 📺
But don’t forget—your culture is amazing too! Most UK students love learning about new countries, foods, languages, and festivals.
🌍 Talk about your holidays, cook your traditional food, or invite someone to a cultural event. You’ll find that sharing your background creates deeper, more meaningful connections when you teach and learn from each other.
4. 🧑🤝🧑 Mix With Locals and Other Internationals
This is one of the most common mistakes that limits international students from making friends at university in the UK.
It’s totally normal to stick with people from your home country at first, and that’s totally fine—but don’t stop there!
- Chat to local students in class
- Say yes to random invites, even if they feel a bit outside your comfort zone
- Try language exchange meetups, join mixed-interest clubs like sports or volunteering groups
Meeting both local and international students gives you a richer experience and helps you improve your English and cultural understanding too. You’ll make friends from all over the world AND get a better uni experience.
5. ⏳ Be Patient—Friendships Take Time
Real friendships don’t happen overnight. It’s normal to feel a bit left out at first—but stick with it! Keep showing up, stay friendly, and give it time.
🌱 Friendships grow with:
- Regular chats
- Shared experiences
- Being there in tough moments
Keep being kind, stay open, and be yourself. The right people will appreciate the real you—and often when you least expect it, friendships bloom.
6. 🏡 Use Your Student Accommodation
If you’re living in halls or shared housing, use the kitchen or common areas to chat and hang out!
Ideas:
- 🍝 Cook a meal from home for your flatmates
- 🎬 Suggest a movie night
- 🛒 Invite someone to go food shopping with you
Little shared moments make a big difference when it comes to building bonds and make friends at university as an international student!
7. 📱 Join Group Chats & Social Media Spaces
Most societies and flats have WhatsApp or Discord groups. Join them! It’s an easy way to:
- Keep up with events
- Chat when you’re feeling shy in person
- Share memes and banter 😄
Also, follow student Instagram pages or local student TikToks— as well as making you feel part of the community, they’re also full of student hacks and event updates!
8. 🌶️ Host a Culture Night
One of the best ways to connect with new friends at university as an international student? Bring them into your world 🌍. Few Ideas:
- Cook your national dish for dinner
- Play music or dance from your country
- Share a holiday tradition or story
People will love it—and it’ll make you feel proud of where you’re from too! It’s a fun way to make friends—and it helps you stay connected to your roots while making new ones.
👉 Bonus: It gives you something to talk about straight away!
9. 🙋 Say Yes to New Things
Every new experience is a chance to meet someone new. When someone invites you somewhere—even if it’s just to hang out in the park—try saying yes! For example:
- Random coffee invites ☕
- Society taster sessions 🎨
- Nights out or game nights 🎲
Even if it’s outside your comfort zone, every “yes” builds confidence and memories. You never know where a simple yes will lead. Many lifelong friendships start with small spontaneous moments!
👉 Recommended: Check out our guide on How To Become More Confident At University
10. 💬 Don’t Worry About Perfect English
You do NOT need to have perfect English to make friends as an international student. Most people are understanding and kind—especially if they know you’re from a foreign country.
Practice makes progress, and confidence grows with time.
The more you speak, the better you’ll get—and most people will admire your effort.
Your accent is beautiful – Your story is important – Your English doesn’t have to be perfect, just keep speaking! You’ve got this! 💪
🌟 Final Thoughts – How To Make Friends as an International Student
Making friends at university as an international student can feel scary—but it’s also an exciting opportunity to meet amazing people and learn about different cultures (including your own!).
So be brave, be curious, and don’t be afraid to start a conversation. Uni life is waiting—and you belong here. 💛
University Essentials 🎓
We have crafted ad-hoc essential lists for various facets of university life!
- Student Essentials, a day on campus 📝
- Student Accommodation Essentials, most useful & forgotten💡
- Study From Home Essentials, the simpler the better 🖥️
- Student Kitchen Essentials, self-catered accommodation & flats🥘
- Coolest Gadgets for University Students, innovative and useful 🎧
(Bonus paragraph) The Best Student Discount! 💸
Want to save money and enjoy exclusive perks? Unlock big savings with Amazon Prime Student, you can get 6 months FREE—and that’s just the beginning! Here’s what you’ll get with your free trial:
- 🚚 Free Next-Day Delivery on all your essentials—because who doesn’t love fast shipping?
- 🎬 Amazon Prime Video: Stream the latest films, TV shows, documentaries, and even live sports events.
- 🎶 Prime Music: Listen to ad-free music, playlists, and podcasts to stay focused while studying.
- 🎓 Student-Exclusive Offers: Get discounts on uni essentials, textbooks, and more.
And, if you love it (which you will), you can keep your Prime membership at half price until you graduate! 🎓
Ready to start? Follow this quick step-by-step guide to set up your Amazon Prime Student account:
- Visit the official Amazon Prime Student, landing page.
- Click on “Start Your 6-Month Trial” and then hit “Try Prime Student”.
- Sign in if you already have an account, or create one quickly.
- Enter your university email address (ending with .ac.uk).
- Provide your expected graduation year.
- Add your payment details (don’t worry, the first 6 months are totally FREE!).
- Verify your email (Amazon will send a confirmation to your uni address).
- Enjoy your Prime perks!
Don’t miss out on these incredible benefits—sign up today and get your free 6 months of Amazon Prime Student now!
🤔 FAQ – Making Friends at Uni as an International Student
A: That’s totally okay! You don’t need to be loud to make friends. Start small—say hi to one person, or join smaller clubs where conversations happen more naturally. Even quiet connections can turn into strong friendships. 🌱
A: Most students are super friendly and patient. Just keep practising—no one expects perfection. People care more about your personality than your grammar!
A: It varies! Some friendships happen fast, others take weeks or months. Keep showing up, saying yes to invites, and being kind—you’ll get there. 💛
A: It’s great to have friends from home—they understand you in a unique way. But try to mix with local and other international students too. The more people you meet, the richer your uni experience becomes.
A: You’re not alone—many students feel this way. Be kind to yourself, and don’t be afraid to talk to your university’s wellbeing services. Friendship takes time, and it’s okay to ask for support along the way.
Join clubs and societies that interest you, attend uni events, or take part in group projects. You can also start conversations with classmates or suggest coffee after lectures. British students are often curious about different cultures—so share yours too!