Living abroad can be struggling at the beginning but if you tried it once in a life, you’ll agree that the experience totally is worth the effort. As a fresh relocated you may feel alone, disoriented and even bored but all these bad feelings will disappear as soon as you make new friends.
Living abroad for study, traineeship or work is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: you can live in a new country, practice your skills on the job and travel in new places, but mostly important you can become friend with people from different countries and cultures. It doesn’t matter if you meet locals or people as you who are doing an experience abroad, you will find lifelong friendships.
If you are an Erasmus student, making new friends in a foreign country will be even easier, so here for you some tips!
Join student social groups
Most university campuses have lively “student organizations” offering events, extensive orientation programs and leisure activities as parties, film nights, excursions and more. Taking part in it is a great way to make friends with students from all around the world. Find out the most active students organisation and join it! If you are an Erasmus student, then it is even easier: contact the ESN (Erasmus Student Newtkowr) group of your incoming university and let them guide you!
Start a new hobby
To be involved in a new hobby is a great way to make new friends to share your interests with. Many European university campuses count with several sport, art and hobby groups for students. They are usually free of charge, or very cheap, so it worths join them too.
Make the first step
It can be hard sometimes but once you get over the awkward you will be rewarded for your initiative. Remember that every experience is unique and your actions can change it completely: don’t waste it for feeling embarrassed. Classes, the campus cafeteria or the library are good places to make the first step!
Share a flat
Your housemates may be the first ones you will meet. Living with other people in an apartment with common areas can be a good start to know each other well, maybe with a coffee! There is more: if your housemates are local people, they have lots of friends they can introduce to you.
Remember to smile
Being positive and smiling can be the best way to make new friends! Don’t feel ashamed, don’t get frustrated if you don’t speak the language, don’t be sad because you are alone in a new place: be optimistic and make your experience abroad the best one of your life.
For more tips, read the article of the European Commission titled “The essential guide to making friends when you study abroad“.