Starting university is exciting (and daunting) no matter what time of year it is, but beginning your degree mid-year can feel a little extra intimidating.
While many students begin in February, there are plenty of students, both international and domestic, who come on board in Semester 2, so regardless of how you’re feeling, you certainly won’t be the only one.
The biggest difference between starting at the beginning of the calendar year versus mid-year is that your fellow classmates may have already started to form friendship groups based on their first semester experiences. But don’t let that discourage you; it just means you might have to put yourself out there a little more to get settled in.
Here are a few ways to build your social circle from day one of Semester 2!
Make the most of mid-year Orientation Week
Most universities run a dedicated Orientation Week (O-Week) for the mid-year intake, just like they do at the beginning of the year. O-Week is full of social events, information sessions, campus tours and welcome activities, all designed to make sure you feel ready for the study session ahead.
It can be tempting to skip these events if you’re feeling nervous about meeting new people, or maybe you’re just tired from moving countries (super valid!), but if you can, we really encourage you to get to at least one or two of the events; they really are a great place to meet other students who are in exactly the same position as you. Even introducing yourself to a handful of people can make those first few weeks feel a little less overwhelming.
Join a club or society
One of the other things that O-Week is usually promoting is the official list of university clubs and societies. Joining one of these is a great way to meet people with similar interests outside of your regular classes. And unlike meeting people in lectures, which, when you’re trying to take notes, doesn’t exactly make for easy conversation, meeting people through a club is going to give you an instant talking point, and the space to keep coming back every week (or whenever they meet) to grow those new friendships.
Whether you’re interested in sport, photography, debating or even gaming, there’s usually a student-led organisation wanting you to join their ranks. As an international student, cultural clubs can also be a great source of support. They often organise social events, celebrate cultural festivals and connect students who are adjusting to life in Australia.
Don’t wait for friendships to happen
With a smaller mid-year intake, there may be fewer people arriving at the same time as you, which means it’s probably worth being a little more proactive. Instead of waiting for someone else to talk to you, try making the first move and starting up a conversation with a peer. You could ask them if they’d like to study together, what other subjects they're taking, or even where they might recommend for a good coffee. It can feel a little uncomfortable at first, and mauve you won’t become best friends with every single person you chat to, but the more you do it, the easier it’ll feel, and after a while those genuine connections will start to form.
Say yes to invitations
Whether it’s pub trivia, a movie night or a casual lunch after class, try saying yes when opportunities come up. Not every single event is going to lead to a lifelong friendship, but each one will help you become more confident in being yourself around new people, and also help you to feel more familiar with your campus and new city!
Use social media to your advantage
Many universities have Facebook groups or Discord chats where students can connect. Joining these online communities can help you find study partners, ask questions, gather resources (there are always people selling secondhand textbooks!) and learn a bit more about your peers.
If you’re living in student accommodation, check whether there are any group chats happening, and if not, why not start one yourself?
Remember that everyone settles in at their own pace
It’s easy to look around campus and assume that everyone else made friends on their first day, but the reality is that’s very unlikely to be true. Many students, even those who did start in Semester 1, are still finding their feet and looking to make new connections.
University friendships don’t all happen during O-Week. Some students make their closest friends halfway through their degree, while others bond over a particularly tricky group assignment. The important thing is to keep pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone and sharing your authentic self!
