How to make friends in a new city

Hi, I'm Diana and I'm from Colombia. I've been lucky enough to call Perth home for one year and three months now, and I've loved every moment of it!

Moving to a new country can be one of the most exciting, and sometimes challenging, experiences of your life. When I arrived in Perth, I knew I was about to start a new adventure filled with learning, growth, and new friendships. Here's a bit of my story, and some tips that helped me find my community in this beautiful city. 

Living in Perth feels a lot like being back in my hometown - calm, welcoming, and full of kind people. 

The city has a perfect balance: it is cosmopolitan and vibrant, but also peaceful an safe. I love the beautiful landscapes, the beaches, and the friendly atmosphere that makes it easy to feel at home. 

When I first arrived, I began by connecting with my own community. It's always comforting to have people who understand your background and can share useful tips on settling in. But don't stop there! Perth has so many opportunities to meet new people. I joined events organised by StudyPerth, as well as social activities hosted by my college, Greenwich College. I also explored free or low-cost events on Eventbrite and Humanitix - everything from cultural festivals and sports activities to networking events and exploring new hobbies. 

If you're open to it, join language exchange groups or use apps like Meetup or Internations. Don't worry about your age or your English level, there's always a place for everyone. The key is to step out of your comfort zone. Once you do, you'll realise how many wonderful people and experiences are waiting for you!

One thing I had to learn was to be mindful and respectful of cultural and religious differences. Something normal in my culture might not be in another, and that's okay. It's all part of living in a diverse, multicultural country. One funny thing I had to get used to was the fact that Perth goes to sleep early! In Colombia, main cities are alive 24/7, but here many cafes close after 5pm. It took a little while to adjust to that!

As a Latina, I come from a culture that's warm, affectionate, and expressive. At first, I noticed Australians tend to build trust gradually, and they're not as physically expressive right away. But once you earn their trust, they welcome you like an old friend. 

The language barrier was also a challenge for me at first. I used to worry about making mistakes or not being fluent enough to have deep conversations. But I realised most Australians are patient and genuinely curious about different cultures. So don't be afraid - be yourself, make mistakes, and laugh about them!

I'm incredibly proud of my Colombian heritage, and I love sharing my culture - our festivals, our music, our delicious food, and of course, our joyful way of living.

I often invite friends to join Latin festivals in Perth, attend salsa classes, or visit local Latino markets where they can experience a bit of my culture. It's a beautiful way to connect and celebrate diversity together. 

Equally, having friends from different cultures has made my time in Perth unforgettable. Most of my friends are other international students, and I love learning about their cultures. We also all face similar challenges and supporting each other makes the journey easier and more meaningful.

However, I believe it's also important to make Australian friends. They can help you understand local traditions and slang - plus, they're usually very friendly and open-minded!

If you ever feel lonely or homesick, talk to someone. Don't isolate yourself. Reach out to classmates, join clubs, or participate in activities you enjoy. There are so many organisations, including StudyPerth, that offer support and wellbeing resources.

Find your tribe - the people who bring our the best in you - and keep an open mind to new experiences. Each connection you make will enrich your life and help you grow both personally and professionally. 

Living in a new city can be scary at first, but it's also one of the most rewarding experiences you'll ever have. Perth is a city full of opportunities, smiles, and open doors. You just have to take the first step. 

So go out there, say hi, join that event, try that new activity... and before you know it, you'll have a full circle of friends who feel like family.