The Northern Territory (NT) is packed with study opportunities for international students. So how will you meet people and find new friends in the Top End?
We spoke to Kinley, Fadziso and Lakshi to discover how they found their people after moving to Darwin and their top tips for making friends.
Just say hello
For Fadziso, who moved to Darwin from Zimbabwe and is now studying mechanical engineering, saying hi to another student at the bus stop was the beginning of a friendship.
“I made my first friend on my very first day at CDU [Charles Darwin University]. I had gone to campus during orientation to sort out my enrolment and get my student ID, and while I was waiting at the bus stop, I said hello to another student. We ended up talking, spent most of the day together, and just like that, became friends.”
Lakshi moved to the NT from Sri Lanka to study accounting. She says, “Don’t be afraid to start a conversation”. A simple “Hello, how are you?” might lead to a friendship or even a professional opportunity.
Put yourself out there
It’s important to engage with the world around you, according to Kinley, who moved to Darwin from Bhutan and is studying software engineering.
“At the beginning, I was quite comfortable keeping to myself. But I realised pretty quickly that if I wanted to build a life here, I had to actually show up.”
Fadziso found that you don’t have to be the most outgoing person in the room – you just need to show up and be willing to start a conversation.
Lakshi found that as she engaged more and more, her community grew.
“I think the most important thing is not to wait for people to come to you. Attend events, volunteer, join activities and start conversations. The more you put yourself out there and get involved, the more naturally your community grows.”
Volunteering is a great way to do this. Kinley got involved with the Women’s Collective for Innovation and Change at CDU.
“I met some really inspiring women there, and some of those connections became genuine, lifelong friendships. That experience gave me the confidence to keep putting myself out there.”
Step outside your comfort zone
One of Lakshi’s top tips for finding community is not to be afraid of going outside your comfort zone.
“When you first arrive in a new country, it is very easy to stay within a small group of people who speak your language or come from a similar background. There is nothing wrong with that, but I would encourage students to also meet people from different cultures.”
Kinley explains that you shouldn’t wait until you feel completely confident – just go for it now!
“Go to the event even if you don’t know anyone. Sit next to someone new. Say yes when someone invites you somewhere. Some of my best friendships here started from very small moments that I almost could have skipped.”
Get involved in your student community
Your university is a fantastic resource for making friends. Fadziso recommends being active in your student community.
“Attend your classes, because you start seeing the same people regularly, and it becomes easier to form study groups or friendships through group assignments. Volunteer, attend campus events, and get involved wherever you can.”
Fadziso loves her diverse friendship circle, which includes some other students from Zimbabwe and other parts of Africa.
There are other opportunities available for students in the NT too. Lakshi became a Study NT Student Ambassador. The program supports students to develop skills in leadership, networking and media skills. Best of all, being an Ambassador has allowed her to meet and share stories with other students from all over the NT.
Beyond your studies
There are also loads of opportunities to make friends outside your studies, according to Lakshi.
“Your community doesn’t have to be limited to other students. Some of my most valuable connections have come through my workplace, volunteering and community activities.”
She got involved with the Multicultural Council of the Northern Territory, which provides opportunities for international students and migrants to connect with the wider community, participate in events and activities, and meet people from different backgrounds. Being involved in these opportunities has helped her feel more connected to the NT community.
These kinds of extracurricular activities are also great ways of expanding your professional network and developing your skill set.
Be yourself – there’s no rush
Our final piece of advice is to be yourself! Kinley recommends avoiding trying too hard to fit in. She says the right people will appreciate you for who you are.
“For me, the biggest lesson has been that community starts when you’re willing to show up as yourself. One genuine conversation can turn into a friendship you carry for years.”
