Moving to a new country can be exciting but also a little scary. If you are an international student in Australia, you might be wondering how to make friends. It is important to make friends in a new country because it helps you feel connected and supported.
In this blog, you’ll explore the best ways to make friends in Australia. This blog provides answers to these questions:
- How can you find people who share your interests?
- What are the best places to meet friendly locals?
- What activities can help me connect with others?
- Are there apps or groups that can help?
So, get ready to explore everything you need to know about making friends in Australia as an international student.
What is the Best Way to Make Friends in Australia?
International students often come to us looking for the answer to this question:
How can I make friends in Australia?
Here I’ve outlined some of the best ways to connect with people in Australia. These include:
- Join Local Clubs and Societies
- Attend Events and Activities
- Attend Classes or Workshops
- Use Social Media and Apps
- Volunteer in Your Community
- Join Sports Teams
- Learn About Australian Culture
- Celebrate Australian Traditions
Here, I’ve discussed each step in detail. Continue reading.
1. Join Local Clubs and Societies
One of the best ways to make friends is by joining clubs and societies at your school or university. These groups bring together people with similar interests. You can find clubs for sports, art, music, cultural activities, and more.
Here is a list of popular clubs to join for you, along with their description and benefits:
Club Type | Description | Benefits |
Student Clubs | University clubs for sports, music, or hobbies. | Meet people with similar interests. |
Orientation Events | Events for new students to learn about campus life. | Great way to start making friends early. |
Sports Clubs | Local clubs for football, basketball, or cricket. | Stay active and make friends through teamwork. |
Cultural Clubs | Groups focused on food, dance, or language from different cultures. | Learn about diversity and connect with others. |
Volunteer Groups | Help in community service or environmental causes. | Meet caring people while giving back. |
Community Groups | Local events like festivals or charity drives. | Connect with locals and explore your area. |
2. Attend Events and Activities
Australia has many events throughout the year that are perfect for meeting new people. Attending events allows you to socialise in a relaxed environment while enjoying fun activities. Look for local festivals, concerts, or community gatherings. To find out more about the events, check:
- Social media platforms,
- Community boards, or
- Your school’s event calendar for upcoming activities.
You’ll get help from these platforms to join events and activities.
3. Attend Classes or Workshops
Consider taking classes or workshops in something you enjoy or want to learn. This could be cooking, dancing, or even learning a new language. Classes provide opportunities to interact with classmates and share experiences, making it easier to form friendships.
4. Use Social Media and Apps
In today’s digital world, social media and apps can help you connect with others. Look for groups on platforms like Facebook or Meetup that focus on your interests.
You can join groups for hiking, book clubs, or language exchanges. These platforms allow you to meet people before you even attend an event.
Here are some of the important digital platforms that you can use to connect with the Australian community:
Platform | Description | How it helps? |
Meetup | A platform for organising and joining events based on shared interests. | Explore local events that match your hobbies and passions. |
Bumble BFF | It is a feature of the Bumble app to connect with potential friends nearby. | Swipe to find matches and chat with people looking for platonic friendships. |
Facebook Groups | Groups focused on international students or shared interests on Facebook. | Join discussions, seek advice, and connect with peers who share similar experiences |
5. Volunteer in Your Community
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people while giving back to the community. Look for local organisations that need help. You’ll meet others who care about similar causes, which can lead to meaningful friendships.
Type of Volunteering | Description | Examples |
Bushfire Recovery | Help communities recover from bushfires by assisting with rebuilding efforts. | Department of Home Affairs, local charities |
Wildlife Conservation | Support the rescue and rehabilitation of injured or orphaned wildlife. | Oceans 2 Earth, GoVolunteer |
Environmental Conservation | Participate in projects focused on protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitats. | Conservation Volunteers, Landcare Australia |
Community Service | Engage in activities that help local residents, such as tutoring or food distribution. | Mission Australia, Oxfam Australia |
Cultural Support | Work with organisations that support Aboriginal communities and cultural initiatives. | Indigenous Community Volunteers |
General Volunteering | Assist with various tasks in community events, festivals, and charity drives. | Australian Red Cross, local community groups |
6. Join Sports Teams
Sports are a big part of Australian culture. So, if you enjoy sports, consider joining a local team or group. It is a great way to stay active and meet people. Whether it’s cricket, rugby, or even a running group, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to bond with others over a shared love of fitness.
7. Learn About Australian Culture
Australians are proud of their unique culture, and showing an interest in it is the best way to connect with locals. When you take the time to learn about their traditions, slang, and favourite activities, it shows that you respect and appreciate their way of life.
Cultural Aspect | Description |
Sporting Culture | Australians love sports like cricket, rugby, and AFL. Participating in or watching sports helps you bond with others. |
Outdoor Lifestyle | Australians enjoy spending time outdoors, at the beach, parks, or hiking trails. Join outdoor activities to meet these people. |
Diverse Cuisine | Trying local dishes is a fun way to connect with others over meals. |
Indigenous Heritage | Learn about Aboriginal culture and engage with Indigenous art and traditions. |
8. Celebrate Australian Traditions
Australians have their own holidays and traditions that bring people together. Some key ones include:
Holiday | Date | Description |
Australia Day | January 26 | A day to celebrate the country’s history and culture, often marked by barbeques and fireworks. |
ANZAC Day | April 25 | A day to honor veterans, often observed with dawn services and marches |
Christmas | December 25 | Australians celebrate Christmas in warm weather, often with beach parties and seafood. |
Joining in these celebrations is a good way to meet people and experience Australian culture.
Final Thoughts
So, by now you have learned how to make friends in Australia. This blog has covered the best ways to connect with the Australian community. So, now you can make friends by joining clubs, attending events, taking classes, volunteering, and starting conversations. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.
Follow these guidelines and instructions to connect with the people. And you will be amazed by the welcoming nature of Australian community. Good luck!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you make friends in Australia?
To make friends in Australia, you can join clubs or groups that match your interests, attend local events, or take classes. Moreover, you can connect with new people by being open and friendly, asking questions, and showing genuine interest in others.
2. Is making friends easy in Australia?
Making friends in Australia can be easy if you are open and approachable. Australians are generally friendly and welcoming. Moreover, you can easily meet new people by joining activities and social events.
3. How do I connect with Australian people?
You can connect with Australians by participating in community events, joining sports teams, volunteering, or using social apps like Meetup. Starting conversations and being curious about their culture can also help build connections.
4. What is the most popular way to get around in Australia?
The most popular ways to get around in Australia are by car, public transport (like buses and trains), and cycling. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne, public transport is convenient for getting to different places.
I, Samavia Shahid, am a researcher and content writer at The Migration. I create easy-to-understand and informative content for people who want to move to Australia. My goal is to make the migration process simpler and less stressful for everyone.