Five ways to make friends at uni

Five ways to make friends at uni

Learning ways to meet like-minded people as an international student can greatly enhance your overall experience abroad.

The friends you make at university have the potential to be lifelong connections. But sometimes it can be nerve-wracking putting yourself out there to make friends, especially in a new country.

If you’re feeling anxious, the key thing to remember is that you're not alone—many students share similar concerns. Fortunately, RMIT offers a vibrant and inclusive community with plenty of opportunities to meet new people. 

Here are five simple ways to connect and build meaningful friendships as an international student at RMIT. 

RMIT students

1. Attend university events, such as careers fairs, creative workshops or fitness classes

From Campus Fest to careers fairs, creative classes, study workshops, excursions and more, RMIT has events of all shapes and sizes throughout the year.

These events are a great way to immerse yourself in campus life and get to know students from different colleges and courses. 

It’s important not to be discouraged from attending just because you might have to go alone. While the thought of arriving by yourself could be a little daunting, know that there’ll be many other students doing the same. 

Tip: To ensure you never miss an event that sparks your interest, view and download RMIT’s monthly event calendar, and incorporate it into your own schedule!

2. Test out a new hobby with RMIT’s array of clubs and societies

RMIT has over 160 student clubs and societies that offer the perfect platform to meet like-minded people with similar interests to you. The best part is, they’re free to join and a whole lot of fun!

Whether you’re wanting to further your creative pursuits, explore your faith or get active in your spare time, you’re bound to find a match among RMIT’s diverse list of clubs and societies.

Being part of a club not only allows you to explore your passions and develop new skills, but it also provides a supportive community and the chance to participate in extracurricular social events such as Uni Nationals, where you can exercise your competitive streak and represent RMIT while connecting with others who share a passion for sports and teamwork.

Tip: You can browse RMIT’s range of clubs by category anytime via the RMIT website. For a more thorough insight into what’s on offer, be sure to attend RMIT’s Clubs Day, which is held at the beginning of Semester 1 each year and showcases every club and society on offer at RMIT in Melbourne.

3. Be part of RMIT Kirrip

RMIT Kirrip is a welcoming community open to any student no matter their interests.

Made up of RMIT students just like yourself, Kirrip provides an inclusive campus environment to ensure you feel supported as you ease into uni life and your new home away from home.  

Becoming a part of Kirrip, you’ll connect with fellow students at Kirrip Place, while also getting to explore Melbourne with a range of social activities planned in and around the city.  From picnics, to trivia, arts and craft, comedy nights and more, there’s so much fun to be had with RMIT Kirrip. 

Tip: In addition to the many and varied Kirrip events, you can connect with new friends and take a break from your studies at a Kirrip Drop-In session. There, you’ll enjoy cozy vibes, warm beverages, and light nibbles while you settle in and build your network of friends.

During my time in RMIT Foundation Studies, my biggest highlight was my peers and fellow students, some of whom have turned into my friends. I struggled with social anxiety back in my home country, though ever since coming to Melbourne, I’ve become much better at meeting people. I’ve pushed myself to learn about others, their backgrounds, their identities, and their interests, and with that, I feel  that we often learn a lot when we are eager to interact with each other.
– Marco, RMIT Foundation Studies student from Indonesia
RMIT student

4. Put your hand up to volunteer on campus

Volunteering is a fantastic way to meet and help others while you find your own feet on campus. It also allows you to give back to the community and learn important skills that will prepare you for paid work outside of uni. 

As an RMIT student, you can volunteer with RMIT Kirrip, or the RMIT University Student Union (RUSU), which offers volunteer opportunities for students to help organise events and campus activities, while being a voice for student rights.

Here’s what recent RMIT graduate Jesslyn had to say about her experience as both a member and volunteer with Perhimpunan Pelajar Indonesia Australia (PPIA), one of RUSU’s many international clubs.

“I wanted to connect with fellow Indonesian students studying at RMIT. Having an Indonesian community to be a part of while also gaining experience through the different volunteer roles within the organisation has really helped set me up for success in uni,” Jesslyn said.

“Joining PPIA (via the RMIT University Student Union) gave me a sense of community and belonging, and it definitely made my university experience much more enjoyable.

“One of the highlight activities [through volunteering with PPIA] was a camping trip. We were surrounded by nature, it was amazing. I got to see wild kangaroos and wild koalas, which was a cool experience to see.”

Tip: Be sure to check out RMIT Kirrip and RUSU online to discover the full extent of volunteer opportunities, clubs and events, and sign up early so you don’t miss a beat!

5. Look for a casual or part-time job on campus

Getting a casual or part-time job at university is great for so many reasons! You gain practical skills, earn money to enjoy your student life and start saving for the future, while also having the chance to build friendships through daily interactions.

On-campus jobs often provide opportunities to meet people from various study fields, broadening your social circle and helping you to connect with peers you might not have met within your course.

Whether you look to work at one of the many cafés or restaurants, in the library or with the student union, most on-campus jobs involve working in teams, so you’ll have the chance to bond with colleagues from the moment you start.

Tip: As an RMIT student you can search the university’s on-campus jobs via the Career Centre! For assistance finding and applying for opportunities, visit Career Connect – a one-stop shop for all things career-related, including career guidance, resume reviews, interview preparation and more.

Story: Jacqueline Guldon

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