Finding lifelong friends at university

When you first land in Australia, you may feel like a stranger in a new country, but not for long. Soon you will meet many people of different cultures and you’ll learn a lot from them apart from studies that will last a lifetime.

The following are five tips that helped me form lasting friendships when I first came to Federation University Australia:

1. Attend as many Orientation Week events as you can

   Since I started virtually during COVID, I took advantage of online events to make friends. Orientation was also conducted virtually. I met one of my closest friends from Sri Lanka there and have since met more friends in person.

2. Connect through social media

   People from the same organizations (such as Federation University) can easily be found on social media through a variety of search options. Additionally, these media give you suggestions about people you may know from your university. Federation also has official social groups on Facebook and WhatsApp for students to join, ask questions and hear about events and support services at their campus. Almost all my friends have been found this way. I can also meet people from other universities who work in the same research area as mine, not just from my organization.

3. Serve as a volunteer

   There are many clubs and societies at Federation University for you to join. If you would like to volunteer here, you are welcome to do so. Having worked in a group with many friends gives me experience of working in a group. You might also like to volunteer at other places such as the Food Bank to meet other people just like you. If you're starting at Federation soon, you can meet members from clubs at Orientation or connect via their website here. Volunteering for the university means you may also be eligible for the FedAdvantage program. Learn more.

4. Attend events to connect to your industry in Australia

   I enjoy submitting articles to conferences as a research student. It gives me the opportunity to network with many researchers and to gain a better understanding of my field's current state.

5. Live on campus

   University accommodation allows you to meet people from various countries. Australians call it 'living on res' and FedLiving students bond through their shared experiences - like a family. They have lots of fun and share happiness and sorrows. It's really supportive, a safe community, and a great way to meet people while transitioning into uni life.

6. Find a hobby

   Whatever your hobbies, you will find friends that also enjoy that. You might like photography, or boardgames or cooking, and there are lots of groups in the cities around campus that you can join!

Friends are an essential part of life and can really help you to settle into a new place. When starting at Federation I really urge you to take an explorer mindset, opening yourself up to new opportunities, finding friends and helping others - which you'll feel the benefits of in return!