Introduction

Going to study in another country is a big and exciting step. Everything will be new for you, new place, new people to make friends with, new school, and sometimes even a new language. While all this can be fun, it can also feel a little lonely at first. That’s why learning how to make friends while studying abroad is very important.

When you have friends in a new country, you don’t feel alone. Friends can help you when you miss home, when you are confused about your studies, or when you just want to enjoy and explore the place together. Having good friends makes your study abroad life happier and easier.

But many students wonder, “How do I make friends in a new place where I don’t know anyone?” The answer is simple: be open, be kind, and take small steps. Whether it’s saying hello to someone in class, joining a group, or attending a student event all of these are good ways to meet people.

We Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) understands how hard it can be for students to adjust in a new country. GECC is known as one of the best consultancies in Nepal and a top consultancy in Kathmandu. We not only help you choose the best university but also guide you on how to feel confident and friendly when you go abroad.

In this blog, we will share easy and useful abroad tips to help you make friends while studying abroad. These tips are simple to follow, and anyone can try them, even if you are shy or nervous. With support from us GECC, you’ll learn not just how to study well, but also how to live well and make great friends along the way.

Step Outside Your Comfort Zone\

When you first arrive in a new country for your studies, everything feels different. You may feel shy, nervous, confused, or unsure about how to new people and make friends. This is completely normal so you don't need to worry about it at all. But to make friends, you will also need to take small steps outside your comfort zone which will be tough that's for sure.

Here’s how you can do it easily:

 Start Small Conversations

• Try saying “hi” to someone in class or at the bus stop.
• Ask a simple question like, “Where is the library?” or “What course are you taking?”
• Don't underestimate this as just a small hello can lead to a big friendship!

 Join Orientation Events

• Most universities have orientation programs or welcome days.
• These are great places to for you meet other students to make firends as they are most probably new students who are looking for friends to make.
• So don't be afraid to attend as everyone there is trying to make friends too!

Try Something New

• You can also try going to a club meeting, workshop, or student trip, even if you don’t know anyone there.
• You will meet people who enjoy the same things you do.

Don’t Worry About Being Perfect

• You don’t need to speak perfect English or be super confident to make friends at all.
• Just be friendly, smile, and be yourself and that’s more thann enough!

At the Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC), students are trained not just for academics but also for real-life situations abroad. GECC gives you confidence and prepares you to meet people from all over the world. This is one reason why we are called as one of the best consultancy in Nepal.

Remember: Every friend you make starts with one small step. Step out, say hello, and your journey will be full of wonderful people and experiences.

Join Student Groups, Clubs, and Activities

One of the easiest and most fun ways to make friends while studying abroad is by joining student groups, clubs, or activities at your university. These groups bring together people who like the same things as you, making it simpler to meet new friends who share your interests.

Why Join Student Groups?

• Meet Many New People at Once:
  Student groups gather lots of people in one place, so you get many chances to meet different students and make friends quickly.
• Start Conversations More Easily:
  When everyone likes the same activity or hobby, it’s easier to start talking and feel comfortable with others.
• Practice Language Skills:
  Joining clubs lets you speak the local language or other languages, improving your communication skills naturally.
• Learn About New Cultures:
  Many groups include students from around the world, so you can learn about different traditions, foods, and ways of life.
• Feel Part of the Community:
  Being in a group helps you feel connected and less lonely, especially when you are far from home.

Types of Groups You Can Join

• Language Exchange Clubs: Practice speaking new languages with fellow students.
• Sports Teams: Join soccer, basketball, or any sport you like to stay active and meet sporty friends.
• Music, Dance, or Drama Clubs: If you love the arts, these are great places to share your passion.
• Cultural or International Student Societies: Celebrate your culture and learn about others’.
• Volunteer Groups or Hobby Clubs: Cooking, photography, gardening—find a club for almost every interest!

How GECC Helps You

Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) supports students by informing them about these fun and helpful opportunities before they travel abroad.

By joining student groups and clubs, you can build a strong circle of friends quickly and make your study abroad experience more enjoyable and meaningful.

Use Social Media and Apps to Connect

In today’s world, technology makes it much easier to meet new people, even before you arrive in a new country. When you are studying abroad, using social media and apps can help you find other students, learn about events, and start building friendships early. This way, you won’t feel alone when you first arrive.

How Social Media Helps You Make Friends

• Join Facebook Groups for Your University or City:
  Many universities have Facebook groups just for new or international students. Joining these groups lets you ask questions, share ideas, and connect with classmates before meeting in person. You can also find out about fun events and meetups organized by students or the university.

• Use Meetup and Other Event Apps:
  Apps like Meetup help you discover local events, hobby groups, or language exchanges happening near you. These events are great places to meet people who enjoy the same activities, whether it’s sports, art, or cultural festivals.

• Follow Your University’s Social Media Pages:
  Universities often post updates about activities, clubs, workshops, and social events on their Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook pages. By following them, you can stay informed and join events where you can meet new friends.

• Chat with Classmates on WhatsApp or Telegram Groups:
  Many classes or student groups create chat groups on WhatsApp or Telegram. These groups let you discuss classwork, share tips, or just chat about daily life. Being active in these chats helps you make friends easily.

 Be Safe and Smart Online

While social media is a great way to connect, it’s important to be careful and protect yourself:

• Meet New Friends in Public Places:
  When meeting someone from social media for the first time, always choose a public place like a café, university campus, or park. It's best if you avoid meeting in private or unfamiliar locations.

• Protect Your Personal Information:
  Don’t share your home address, bank details, or other sensitive information online. Be extra cautious of what you post, as it can be seen by many people online.

• Trust Your Feelings:
  If you feel something is wrong or you feel uncomfortable for some reason, don’t hesitate to stop talking to that person. Your safety and comfort should always come first.

 How GECC Supports You

We know how important it is for students to use social media wisely while preparing to study abroad. That’s why we offer guidance and training on how to connect with other students safely and confidently before leaving Nepal. By learning how to use social media the right way, you can start to make friends early on and build a support network to help you adjust when you arrive.

Be Kind, Open, and a Good Listener

To make friends while studying abroad is not only about talking or being outgoing. It’s also about being kind, open, and a good listener. These qualities help people feel comfortable and happy around you, which is important to make friends when you are in a new place far from home.

 Why Being Kind Matters

When you are kind, people notice it. Kindness means helping others, smiling, and showing you care. Simple acts like saying “please” and “thank you,” offering to share notes, or helping someone who is lost can make a big difference. People want to make friends with those who are nice and caring.

Be Open to New Experiences and People

Being open means trying to learn about new cultures and ways of life. You might meet people from different countries with different habits and ideas. Instead of feeling scared or shy, try to understand and enjoy these differences. This openness helps you connect with many kinds of people and makes your friendship circle bigger.

 Listen More Than You Speak

Good friends listen to each other. When you listen carefully, you show that you respect and value what others say. Listening helps you learn about your new friends’ lives, feelings, and cultures. It also makes them feel special and happy to share with you. This builds strong friendships that last a long time.

 How GECC Supports You in This

We help students not only with their study plans but also by teaching important life skills like kindness, openness, and good listening. These skills are part of study abroad tips that help students succeed socially in a new country. We prepare students on how to make friends, feel confident, and enjoy their study abroad journey fully.

Remember, to make firends is not that difficult it's just about being yourself, showing kindness, and listening with your heart. When you do this, you will find and make friends who will support and enjoy this amazing journey with you.

Conclusion

Making friends while studying abroad can feel hard at first, but it is one of the best parts of your adventure. As friends make you feel at home in a new country, help you learn new things, and make your study time more fun and happy.

By stepping outside your comfort zone, joining student groups, using social media, and being kind and a good listener, you can meet many great people and make friends with many people and build strong friendships with them later on. Remember, it takes time and patience, but every small step brings you closer to making new friends.

We Global Education Counselling Centre (GECC) are here to help you every step of the way. As one of the best consultancy in Kathmandu, we not only help you with your studies but also prepares you to live happily and confidently abroad.

Follow these study abroad tips that you learned in this article today and enjoy your new journey filled with wonderful friends and exciting experiences in abroad.