The Student Room Group

Making Friends at University

Starting university feels like stepping into the unknown. New faces, new places, and a lot of uncertainty surround you. For international students like me, it’s even more daunting. You’ve packed up your life, left behind everything familiar, and stepped into a world that feels entirely different.

I wish I could say I walked in on day one and felt right at home. But the truth is, I spent those first few weeks feeling like an outsider. I kept wondering if I’d ever really belong here. I’ve learned that belonging doesn’t come all at once. It happens in the small, quiet moments when you least expect it.

I remember sitting alone in the library during my second week at Kingston, staring blankly at my laptop, and then, out of nowhere, someone asked, “Is the Wi-Fi working for you?” It was such a simple question, but it broke the silence. We chatted briefly about our classes, the confusing campus maps, and the best places to get coffee nearby. That small interaction reminded me that even in moments of loneliness, the connection is closer than we think. It gave me hope that I wasn’t as alone as I’d feared.

Feeling out of place isn’t unique to international students—it’s something everyone feels when starting university, no matter where they’re from. Even the most confident-looking people have moments of doubt. Realizing this made me feel less alone, knowing we all figured it out together.

Belonging isn’t about fitting in perfectly or finding your tribe right away. It’s about the small wins—the first conversation, the first laugh, the first time someone remembers your name. These moments build up over time. They’re like stepping stones, leading you closer to finding your place.

Take a chance. Ask that random question, join that study group, or offer someone a seat next to you. If you’re nervous about starting a conversation, bring something to share—maybe snacks during a study session or even a fun fact about yourself. It’s these little gestures that often spark the best connections.

Your people are out there. They’re waiting to find you just as much as you’re waiting to see them. And one day, you’ll look around and realize you’re no longer a stranger. You’ve found your place, and you belong.

Anushka Kingston Student Rep
(edited 1 month ago)

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