5 Ways to Socialise Better When you Move Abroad

Studying abroad can be both an exciting and daunting affair. The new life comes with a new set of challenges. There will be times when you feel lonely and frantically missing your loved ones. But it must not hold you back from fulfilling your real purpose--your education. 

It is always a good idea to make new friendships to help you overcome both your homesickness and cultural shock. So be confident and get out of your comfort zone to strike up a conversation with new people. It won't cost you any penny; in fact, you might end up making lifelong friends. 

And to help you in your journey, we have listed five fantastic ways you can learn to socialize better in your new home!

Live in a Shared Accommodation 

Living alone in private accommodation can be both expensive and lonely. So we urge you otherwise; opt for a shared accommodation where making friends would be more effortless and natural. Based upon your preference, you can choose to live in a university dormitory, PBSA, private halls of residence, or even homestays. 

There could not be a better approach to socialize than being friends with your roommates! Make the first move by giving a nice introduction of yourself and asking for the same. Talk about each other's home countries, hobbies, aspirations, and more. You can even help each other out by assisting in academic work, and on weekends, you can make plans to go out.

Moreover, if you want to go one step ahead, you can be friends with your neighbors as well. Whether you are staying in student accommodation near Bristol or student apartments in Birmingham, it is always a dazzling idea to pay a visit to your neighbors and strike up a conversation. You can also invite them to your place for dinner or politely ask if they can give you a tour of the local area. Bonus tip: It is always lovely to bring some flowers or chocolates before calling on your neighbors.

Immerse in your College Activities

Your maximum time will be spent on your college campus, where you must utilize it effectively by interacting with your peers and faculty to form meaningful connections. 

You can start by joining a hobby club. Be it sports, theatre, academics, management, or anything that piques your interest. These clubs are excellent places for meeting like-minded companions who share the same interests as you. That way, you can exchange ideas and knowledge that can shape your personality both professionally and personally.

Apart from that, you can take part in various events, workshops, and volunteering programs. All of your extra-curricular activities will eventually help you curate a brilliant resume that can land you an excellent job after completing your course.

Learn New Skills Or Continue your Hobbies

Whether you are Shakespeare when you write, a Picasso when you paint or harbor a passion for learning different languages, you can continue practicing what you love or try your hands in learning something different that you always wanted to, in your host country. 

It not only keeps you occupied and productive but will also help massively in building your social circle in a different country. People bond over their shared passions because they can learn something from each other and advance their skills. So head out from your student accommodation in Manchester or Oxford to explore your surroundings, ask around, and enroll yourself in one of the classes. 

Talk to Strangers

Don't be afraid to break the ice with people on your university campus or in your neighborhood. Remember, many people like you come from a different country and are as clueless as you. So don't wait for anyone to initiate, be that person and approach them first. It will boost your confidence and ease your social anxiety.

You can even join legitimate expat groups on social media platforms like Facebook and Meetup or search online for cultural centers for immigrant communities in your area. If you are not confident of the idea, you can ask your friends or relatives if they know someone living in the same place you are migrating to. This way, you are not literally meeting a stranger but a mutual friend.

Use Social Media

Reach out to your college peers on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. Don't be afraid to send them a friend request, as it helps you expand your social circle and professional network.

People love engaging content, and they like to give their viewpoints and valuable insights by interacting with each other. Start curating interesting content relevant to your course; it paves the way for sparking meaningful conversations where like-minded people would love to interact with you. You can also follow your university’s social media pages to keep yourself updated on upcoming events.

Need assistance in finding an ideal home abroad?

Amber assists millions of students worldwide by providing safe, secure, and affordable options for booking a house. We are upgraded with the latest COVID-19 protocols and would be happy to help you locate your perfect home. Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to stay updated.