Making Friends In A New City

If you're an international student, you probably organised your accommodation, courses and finances well in advance. However, one thing that's a bit harder to plan is how you will make friends in a new city.

Luckily, Perth has a reputation as the friendliest city in all of Australia, making it the perfect place to meet new people and form lifelong friendships.

So, how exactly can you expand your social circle and make friends in Perth? Let’s explore your options!

StudyPerth events

From day tours to scenic hikes and movie nights, StudyPerth offers a range of budget-friendly events to help students see the sights while getting to know their peers. In fact, their upcoming International Student Welcome Day is the perfect opportunity to make new connections!

As well as that, Destination Perth and Visit Perth list upcoming events, including free events as well as exhibitions and tours where you can learn more about Perth's culture and beauty. By picking an experience that aligns with your interests, you’ll have a better chance of connecting with like-minded people.

Live in student accommodation

Student accommodation is the perfect environment to befriend both domestic and international students.

Making friends with local students means you will gain unique insights into Australian culture and lifestyle. Most likely, they’ll be able to show you the best shops, restaurants and activities in your city. They may even teach you some Australian slang words!

On the other hand, you can also bond with fellow international students over your shared experience of living and studying abroad. Having friends who understand your exact situation instantly builds empathy and unity.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in your local community and meet people who care about similar causes.

To find the best volunteering opportunity for you, think about your passions as well as your availability. Depending on your schedule, you may want to volunteer at a single-day event or partake in long-term, ongoing projects. You can then explore your options through your education provider or Volunteering WA.

Make friends on the job

Sometimes, the workplace can be an unexpected place to find new friends. 

Whether you're taking up a part-time position or internship, on-the-job experience exposes you to individuals from all walks of life. Plus, having work connections is always a plus!

if you need help getting started with employment, StudyPerth offers free career support for international students. Find out more here.

Join a sports team

If you’re a sports fan, you’d probably get along well with other sports fans. So, why not join a team?

Whether your passion is netball, cricket, ultimate frisbee or even quidditch, you’re bound to find a sport in Perth you love. By joining a sports team, you'll get the opportunity to meet new people while also getting some exercise.

Remember that, in most cases, you’ll need to be willing to commit to regular training sessions and games. After all, your team will be counting on you!

If you don’t want this type of ongoing commitment, attend a one-off group class instead. Try surfing, spinning, salsa dancing, kayaking, hiking or stand-up paddleboarding. In Perth, the options are virtually limitless.

Join clubs

Perth’s education providers have many social clubs that allow you to connect with people who share similar interests, such as politics, business or law. Plus, there are often clubs designed specifically for people from certain cultural, religious or community groups (e.g., LGBTQIA+ students).

As part of a club, you’ll likely assist in organising events, hosting discussion nights or even planning day trips.

In this environment, you’ll meet new people and explore your interests simultaneously. Since you’ll have common ground with other club members, forming friendships should come naturally.

Mingle

Mingle is a Perth-based organisation that hosts events aimed at creating friendships. The events are often designed for people who might be new to the city, or who are looking to meet like-minded people and make friends. At Mingle events, you’ll enjoy the peace of mind that everyone has the same goal as you.

Meetup 

Meetup is a website and app that showcases local events based on your interests. These events cater to all kinds of hobbies, from book clubs to wine tastings. Whether you’re hoping to find a study buddy or gym partner, you’re bound to find a new friend to connect with.

While making friends in a new city can be daunting, it’s also one of the most fun parts of your study abroad experience! With these tips, you’ll have no trouble making friends in your new home in Perth.