Ibrahim Gardner
As an international student in Canada, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to make friends. However, Canada is known for its diverse, friendly, and accepting population, so you have nothing to worry about! There are many ways to make friends, including joining clubs, societies, and teams, attending events and activities, and even just saying a simple hi to your classmates. Social media platforms like MeetUp can also help you connect with people who share your interests or belong to similar communities. You can also join a student group or create your own, and don't forget the power of a smile and an open, friendly mindset when introducing yourself to others.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Joining a club or society | Athletics clubs, yoga, book clubs, soccer teams, activism groups, etc. |
| Joining a sports team | Rugby, cricket, football, baseball, basketball, etc. |
| Initiating conversations | Saying hi, smiling, making eye contact, asking questions, etc. |
| Socializing with roommates | Housewarmings, birthdays, holidays, potluck dinners, study sessions, etc. |
| Participating in orientation events | Exploring the city, attending campus events, etc. |
| Volunteering | Local city volunteering opportunities |
| Using social media platforms | BumbleBFF, MeetUp, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Join a club, team, or society
Joining a club, team, or society is a great way to make friends as an international student in Canada. It can be an easy and low-cost way to meet new people and broaden your social circle. Most universities and colleges in Canada offer a wide range of clubs, teams, and societies catering to various student interests.
For instance, the University of Ottawa offers over 200 clubs, and you can also join intramural sports teams. The University of Toronto holds events at its Centre for International Experience, and the University of Winnipeg encourages volunteering in the local city. You can also check out your school's International Student Centre, which typically holds events regularly.
If you're unsure where to start, consider your hobbies and interests. Canada has clubs and societies for various sports, pastimes, and activities, such as athletics, yoga, book clubs, soccer teams, and community activism groups. Joining a team sport is an excellent way to build friendships and motivate yourself, knowing your teammates rely on you. If you're not sure about committing to a sport, you can always attend games and cheer on your favourite team with other students.
Keep an eye out for event flyers, student boards, and social media posts to stay informed about club activities. Don't be afraid to initiate conversations and introduce yourself to fellow club members. Ask about their interests and share a bit about yourself. Remember, everyone has something unique to offer, so embrace the diversity and enjoy making new friends!
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Live with roommates
Living with roommates is a great way to make friends as an international student in Canada. Sharing a house or apartment with fellow students can provide instant companionship and opportunities to meet even more people. Here are some tips to make the most of this arrangement:
Choose the right roommates
If possible, try to find roommates who share similar interests and hobbies as you. This could be a love for sports, cooking, movies, or any other activity that you can enjoy together. Having common interests will make it easier to initiate conversations and bond with your roommates.
Be open and friendly
When you first move in, take the initiative to introduce yourself and be friendly towards your roommates. Smile, make eye contact, and ask them about their lives, their culture, and their interests. Show genuine interest in getting to know them and be open-minded about their backgrounds and experiences. This will create a welcoming atmosphere and increase the chances of forming meaningful connections.
Host social gatherings
Take advantage of living with roommates by hosting social gatherings, such as potluck dinners, game nights, or study sessions at your place. These events can be a great way to get to know your roommates better and also invite their friends, expanding your social circle even further. Don't forget to return the favour and attend their gatherings too!
Collaborate on chores
Living with roommates provides an excellent opportunity to share responsibilities and collaborate on household chores. Cooking, cleaning, and running errands together can be a fun way to bond and build a sense of teamwork. It also ensures that everyone feels invested in maintaining a clean and comfortable living space.
Respect each other's space
While it's important to be social, it's also crucial to respect each other's space and privacy. Be mindful of your roommates' schedules, study habits, and personal boundaries. Communicate openly about any issues or concerns, and establish ground rules that work for everyone. This will create a harmonious living environment and strengthen your friendships.
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Talk to classmates
As an international student in Canada, you may sometimes feel overwhelmed trying to make friends. However, Canada is known for its diverse, friendly, and accepting population, so you're in good hands! Here are some tips on how to make friends by talking to your classmates:
Be Open and Friendly
A simple smile and a "Hi" can go a long way in starting a conversation and building friendships. Don't be afraid to approach your classmates with a friendly and open mindset. Remember that everyone is unique, so embrace the diversity around you. Making eye contact and asking about their culture, major, or interests is a great way to initiate conversations and show genuine interest.
Attend Social Events
Keep an eye out for social events and activities hosted by your university or college. These events are excellent opportunities to meet classmates and build connections. Check student boards, social media accounts, or your school's International Student Centre for event information. From campus activities to study groups in the library, there are many options to connect with classmates.
Join Study Groups
Forming or joining a study group is a fantastic way to make friends and stay on top of your academics. With small class sizes, it will be easier to form relationships with your classmates. Don't hesitate to invite classmates to study together or hang out after lectures. You can also suggest coffee dates or exploring the city together, creating opportunities to deepen your connections.
Participate in Orientation Events
Orientation events are specifically designed to help international and local students adjust to their new environment. These events are a brilliant way to meet classmates and explore your new city together. Whether it's a campus event or a city tour, orientation activities provide a platform to initiate conversations and build lasting friendships.
Get Involved in Class
Don't be shy to speak up in class and participate in group projects. By actively engaging in class discussions and activities, you'll find it easier to connect with your classmates. Ask questions, share your thoughts, and contribute to creating a collaborative and interactive learning environment that fosters friendships.
Remember, Canadians are known for their friendliness and approachability, so don't hesitate to reach out and start building those meaningful connections with your classmates!
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Attend orientation events
Orientation events are a great way to meet people and make friends as an international student in Canada. These events are specifically designed to help international students and local students adjust to their new surroundings and meet others with similar interests. Whether it's exploring the city together or attending a campus event, orientation activities can be a catalyst for building new, lasting friendships.
- Be proactive and attend as many orientation events as possible. The more events you attend, the more people you will meet and the higher your chances of finding friends with similar interests.
- Introduce yourself to other students and strike up conversations. A simple "Hi, I'm [name]" with a smile and eye contact can go a long way. Don't be afraid to ask questions about their culture and background and share a bit about yourself too.
- Keep an open mind and embrace diversity. Remember that everyone has something unique to offer, so be open to meeting people from different backgrounds and with different perspectives.
- Look out for events that match your interests. Orientation week usually includes a variety of activities, from city tours to campus events. Choose the ones that interest you the most, as you're more likely to meet people with similar interests.
- Be proactive in getting contact information from people you connect with. Exchange phone numbers, social media handles, or email addresses so you can stay in touch and continue building the friendship beyond the orientation event.
- Continue the friendship beyond orientation week. Orientation is just the beginning—stay connected and make an effort to hang out with your new friends after the event, whether it's studying together, grabbing coffee, or exploring the city.
By actively participating in orientation events and following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making friends and creating a supportive network during your time as an international student in Canada.
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Use social media and apps
Social media and apps are a great way to meet people and make friends in Canada as an international student. Here are some tips on how to use these tools to your advantage:
Use Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms can help you discover events and connect with others. Many universities and student groups promote their activities and events on social media. Follow relevant pages and accounts to stay informed about upcoming events, and don't be afraid to reach out to organisers or attendees through direct messages. Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are commonly used platforms in Canada.
Join Online Communities
Look for online communities, groups, or forums specifically for international students in Canada. These can be found on platforms like Facebook or Reddit. Joining these communities can help you connect with others going through similar experiences and provide a space to ask for advice or share your own.
Utilise Friendship Apps
Apps like Bumble and Meetup can be great tools for making friends in a new country. Bumble, for example, has a feature called BumbleBFF, which is specifically designed for finding friends in your area. Meetup is another platform that connects people based on shared interests and helps them organise in-person or virtual events.
Engage in University Social Media Groups
Many universities have their own social media groups or forums where students can connect and interact. Join these groups to get to know your classmates better and stay informed about university-related events and activities.
Stay Connected with Classmates
Use social media to stay connected with classmates you meet during your studies. Platforms like WhatsApp, Instagram, or Facebook can help you maintain these connections and provide opportunities for further social interactions, such as study groups or casual hangouts.
By actively using social media and apps, you can expand your social network and increase your chances of making meaningful friendships during your time as an international student in Canada.
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Frequently asked questions
Canadians are known for being friendly and approachable, so don't be afraid to strike up a conversation by saying hi and introducing yourself. You can also join clubs, teams, or societies, which is a low-cost way to meet people.
You can find information about clubs and societies through flyers, student noticeboards, or social media accounts.
You could consider sharing a house or apartment with fellow students, which is a great way to meet people and also meet their friends. You could also create your own study group, or join an existing one.
Yes, you could try BumbleBFF or Meetup, which is a social media platform for hosting and organising in-person and virtual events.
It can be daunting moving to a new country, so try to be open-minded and embrace the diversity around you. Remember that everyone is in the same boat, so try to say yes to new opportunities and put yourself out there.
