Lana Oconnell
Meeting new people can be daunting, especially when moving to a new country. International students can access many resources to help them meet people and make friends, such as virtual meetings, student fairs, and orientation events. They can also join clubs, sports teams, and fraternities or sororities. International students can also reach out to classmates and neighbours to explore their new home together. Being open to new experiences and straightforward in their desire to make friends will help international students settle in and feel more connected.
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What You'll Learn
Attend orientation events
Orientation events are a great way to meet international students. They are designed to help new students settle into their new environment and meet their future classmates. International student orientation is often separate from the general student orientation, providing content unique to international students. These events are usually held at the start of the academic year, so they are a great way to meet other students at the same early stage of their university journey.
International student orientation events are often tailored to the specific needs of the students. For example, sessions may be held for degree-seeking students and exchange students, with immigration advisors on hand to answer any queries. There may also be sessions on more general topics, such as banking, budgeting, and onboarding. These sessions can be very helpful in preparing you for life in a new country and giving you the confidence to tackle any challenges that may arise.
In addition to these practical sessions, orientation events often include fun and interactive social activities. These might include prizes, giveaways, and refreshments, creating a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. They are a great opportunity to meet people in a casual setting and form new friendships. You will likely find that many other students are also new to the country and keen to make friends, so don't be afraid to introduce yourself and start conversations.
To make the most of orientation events, be sure to register and plan your attendance. Some universities may charge a small fee for orientation events, so check with your chosen university for any costs involved. You may also need to complete pre-arrival modules before attending in-person orientation events. These modules can provide valuable information and resources to help you prepare for your arrival on campus and in the country.
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Join a campus club
Joining a campus club is a great way to meet international students and make friends. Most college campuses have clubs for almost every interest, from intramural sports to student newspapers, pre-professional groups, and theatrical troupes. If you're an international student, joining a club is a fantastic way to connect with like-minded individuals who share your passions and hobbies.
When you join a club, you'll find that members usually meet weekly, providing consistent opportunities for social interaction and friendship building. You'll also have the chance to attend club events, outings, and competitions, which are perfect for bonding with your new friends and creating lasting memories. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. For example, you could join the football team, take up cooking classes, or participate in yoga sessions offered by your campus gym.
If you're not sure where to start, attend orientation day activities and campus events like guest speaker lectures, fundraisers, dances, or comedy nights. These events are designed to bring students together and are excellent opportunities to meet potential friends, including international students who are also new to the campus. Keep an eye out for announcements on social media or bulletin boards, as there's usually something happening on campus every day!
If you can't find a club that aligns with your interests, don't hesitate to start your own! You can also meet potential friends by simply talking to people in your classes and reaching out to your classmates via social media. Remember, everyone is in the same boat, and most students, whether international or not, are eager to make new friends and build their social circles. So, smile, say hello, and be open to new experiences and connections!
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Take on a campus job
Taking on a campus job is a great way to meet international students. Many US colleges allow international students to work on campus, and these jobs are relatively easy for them to acquire. International students on F-1 visas can work on campus without requiring additional work authorization, unlike off-campus work. However, do note that the exact policies regarding on-campus work for international students vary by school, so it is important to contact your school's international student services office for more information.
To find an on-campus job, you can start by looking at your college's online job board, if they have one. Many US schools use online platforms to post all types of jobs available to students. International students can use the "On-Campus" filter to find openings they are eligible for. Some schools may also have a physical job board in a central location on campus, such as the student center or quad.
There are many different types of on-campus jobs available to undergraduate and graduate students, and international students are welcome to apply for the same jobs as domestic students. Some common examples of campus jobs for students include working in the dining hall, library, athletic facilities, campus offices, and departments. Students can also work as paid research assistants or academic tutors or take on paid student leadership roles. International students can also find jobs in cafeterias, bookstores, and science labs, and they don't have to work in their field of study.
When considering an on-campus job, it is important to research how student employment works at your specific college or university, as access to on-campus student positions can vary greatly from one campus to another. It is also recommended to consult with your school about on-campus work requirements and immigration rules before you choose and enroll in a college.
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Use online solutions like Zoom
Online solutions like Zoom can be a great way to meet international students and create personal and influential interactions. Zoom is a video conferencing software that allows users to connect in real-time and can be used on Mac, Windows, or mobile devices. This makes it a convenient and flexible option for students located around the world to connect and interact.
One of the benefits of using Zoom is its ability to facilitate face-to-face communication. This means that instead of relying solely on emails or text-based communication, you can talk to students from different parts of the world and build more personal connections. This can be especially beneficial for international students who may prefer to communicate face-to-face and get a sense of the university and its community before enrolling.
Additionally, Zoom offers features such as screen sharing, co-browsing, and document sharing. These features can enhance your interactions with international students by allowing you to share relevant documents, such as PowerPoint presentations, PDFs, and Word documents, that are tailored to their interests. For example, you can co-browse with students and act as their personal tour guide, showing them around the university's website and highlighting relevant information. This adds a more personal touch to the interaction and helps students feel more connected to the university.
Zoom also provides recording capabilities, which can be useful for both students and staff. Recordings of meetings or study sessions can be referred back to at a later time or shared with others who could not attend. This ensures that everyone can benefit from the information shared, even if they were unable to attend the live session.
Furthermore, Zoom can be used to create virtual study rooms or groups, which can be highly beneficial for international students. Studying together can boost motivation, productivity, and focus. It provides a sense of accountability and helps students stay on track with their studies. Additionally, it can be a great way for international students to connect with peers and build a support system, especially if they are unable to meet in person or prefer studying remotely.
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Attend student fairs
Student fairs are a great way to meet international students and get a more complete picture of a university than you would from online research. University representatives gather at these events to showcase their university's offerings and answer any questions prospective international students and their parents might have.
At student fairs, you can expect to find representatives from a variety of academic programs, including community colleges, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies. This gives you a unique opportunity to speak directly with these representatives and gather first-hand information about the university. You can ask about the number of international students currently attending the school, the availability of programs or activities that appeal to international students, application requirements and deadlines, tuition costs and financial aid, and student housing options for international students.
To make the most of student fairs, prepare a list of questions beforehand to ensure you get the information you need. Additionally, bring a notepad and pen to jot down key information and take brochures or other materials offered by the university representatives.
By attending student fairs, you can gain valuable insights into different universities and make informed decisions about your educational journey. It is a great opportunity to meet fellow international students who are also exploring their options and may share similar interests and goals.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many online solutions that allow you to meet international students face-to-face, such as Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting, Google+ Hangouts, Skype, and Zoom. These platforms enable you to connect in real-time and share documents, pictures, and diagrams.
Student orientation events are a great way to meet other international students who are new to the country, just like you. Be open to new opportunities and suggest exploring the city together, hanging out, or learning the local language. Joining a club is another great way to make friends with similar interests.
Most people enjoy sharing their knowledge, so asking them about phrases in their language or what they think of the food are great ways to start a conversation. Asking about their major or why they chose it is also a common ice-breaker.
International student fairs are a great way to meet other prospective international students and learn more about the university. You can also utilise online platforms to connect with current international students and learn about their experiences.
Consider getting a campus job to earn money and meet people. Joining a fraternity or sorority can also help you build a group of friends, as can starting or joining a study group.
