Living in Australia could be a once in a lifetime experience and the friends you make in student accommodation can help make it even more special. Having the opportunity to mix with like-minded students, live right in the heart of the city, or near campus, gives you the chance to form friendships that will last a lifetime.
After all, you end up spending most of your time with the people you live with. If you’re looking to establish meaningful connections, here are a few ways to become lifelong friends with your housemates.
1. Host a dinner party night
Who doesn’t love a dinner party? Your time in student accommodation is an ideal chance to show off your cooking skills and whip up special dishes for new friends.
Dinner parties can be intimate, as they allow people to get to know each other in a relaxed setting. Get a conversation flowing over food (and food, itself, is always a great topic of discussion), and you’ll find it’s a fantastic way to make friends in a new city.
2. Organise a board games night
Board games are a great way to bring people together, and they can be an easy and fun way to break the ice with new housemates. Make ‘board games night’ a weekly event and have each housemate choose a game they’d like to play. That way, everyone experiences a game they enjoy, and you can build connections through both shared and different interests.
3. Go exploring together
What better way to get to know new people in a new city than by discovering it together? Explore the cafés in your local area, venture to different parks, and visit all the must-see attractions. If you have similar hobbies, you could even try out an activity together, like swimming at the beach, playing soccer, or a game of tennis.
If you want to get out of the ‘big smoke’ and see more of what your state has to offer, you could even organise a weekend road trip getaway. After all, there are so many amazing places to discover in Australia!
4. Participate in (or start) a study group
One of the easiest ways to make friends at university is through study sessions. Collaborate over ideas and share your experiences with others who are in the same part of their student journey as you. You could even host a study session in your shared accommodation and get all your housemates involved.
5. Be open to new experiences
For some reason, making friends seems to be a lot easier when we’re younger, but it can be just as easy as an adult if you practice a positive attitude and mindset.
Be willing to speak with other people, show interest in classmates, and take the time to get to know people who might not share your interests. You might be surprised to see how many doors can open, and lifelong friendships form just by saying “yes” to new experiences.
6. Hang out in the common area
Sure, it’s sometimes nice to shut the bedroom door and read a book in your own company, but think about all the amazing friends you could be making if you spent more time in the common area! More often than not, people will constantly be coming and going through common areas in your student accommodation, including the kitchen, study rooms and gyms, so it’s a great place to strike up conversations and put names to new faces.
7. Take advantage of social media
In the digital world we live in today, social media is an excellent platform for forming friendships. Most universities have Facebook pages and student groups where you can connect with like-minded students. Or, there is a range of apps available dedicated to making friends and socialising. Some people find it easier to start a conversation with someone online and form friendships digitally before meeting in person. Remember to do what is right for you.
8. Join a club or society
Ready to meet lots of people? Sign up for a club or a student society at your university! If you’re present and attend club events regularly, you may even bump into your future best friend. Aside from the potential new friendships, it looks great to have extracurricular activities like student societies on your resume!
Remember, don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone when it comes to making friends. Be the first to start a conversation or take the initiative to invite someone out for lunch. Forming friendships is an exciting experience and a fantastic way to meet people from all corners of the world.
