Find Your People: A Guide to Getting Out There, Making Friends, and Building a Meaningful Network for International Students

Hear from former international student, Zayn Nasser, about making friends and building a meaningful network at university.

Friendship isn’t just a bonus during university — it’s essential for student success and well-being. Building strong social connections can shape not only your four years on campus but also your future network and access to exciting opportunities. In this article, we explore why finding your people matters and share tips on how to make meaningful connections during your undergraduate journey.

Your campus will determine your connections

When planning where you will go to university, it is essential to understand how easy it will be to meet and bond with like and differently minded people. Universities with large populations present challenges to networking because students are not as likely to engage in group projects, discussions, or personalized learning opportunities. They may also encounter barriers to accessing services, teams, and clubs due to the institution’s inability to meet growing demand.

Across intimate campus environments, students are more likely to share the same classroom with peers repeatedly. Plus, there are shorter wait times and less red tape when it comes to participating in group activities where you’re likely to find friends. This creates ample opportunity to get to know one another and spend multiple semesters — rather than fleeting moments — debating, discussing, and dialoguing with others. Naturally, as students raise their hands and voices within a smaller classroom environment, their future friends will take notice and reach out.

Campuses that prioritize peer-to-peer engagement create the perfect environment for students to build strong academic and social networks. This is especially true for universities emphasizing personalized education and extra-curricular activities. You will readily recognize these campuses, as their recruitment materials will focus on student wellness, engagement, and happiness as much as they do academic rigor. This takes shape through formalized avenues such as alumni mentorship programs, International Student Welcome Week, and leadership training through experiential learning.

How you can make meaningful friendships at Huron

• Participate in International Welcome Week: Right before Orientation Week, international students can take part in additional programming. This is where they will meet friends and learn how to navigate their new city and campus.
• Join a club: From starring in a theatrical performance to playing flag football, clubs are great places to meet people. Check out the amazing clubs Huron has to offer: Clubs List.
• Actively participate in classroom discussions: Sharing your thoughts and contributing to conversations not only helps you stand out but also makes it easier for your peers to connect with you.
• Volunteer: If you’re passionate about making a difference, you’re likely to connect with classmates who share your enthusiasm for meaningful community engagement.
• Live on campus: Meet students within a safe and socially empowering environment that offers as much convenience as it does connection by living in residence.

Ontario universities recognize student success is determined by social experience

In response to the growing international student population in Ontario, the province and its universities are working hard to ensure young leaders are empowered to build great relationships and access the support they need. For more than a decade, Huron University has defined itself as a leader in this space. The strategically small campus, located in London, Ontario, is celebrated nationally as an institution that nurtures all aspects of the student experience. They offer an exhaustive list of student clubs and provide access to local and international learning activities that ensure their students form lifelong connections. These networks lead to life-enriching partnerships and opportunities and have resulted in countless new business and community leadership ventures.

A home-away-from-home that fosters comfort & comradery

There are countless benefits to living on campus. Whether it is time changes or countless kilometers, international students can feel the distance from their loved ones once they arrive on campus. The right student residence will create the perfect platform for friendship-making.

In response to the unique needs of international students, Huron University has taken critical steps to create high-quality on-campus living environments. The campus’ brand-new Burnlea Hall offers 300 single-style rooms, in addition to the 300+ additional rooms in three other residences where students can socialize and study in equal measure. Within and beyond the residence’s walls, students can partake in trivia nights, wellness programming, and other activities alongside their peers.

Get a feel for your future & the friendships you will be able to make

The right university for you offers a strategic balance between social, academic, and professional opportunities. The best way to evaluate those deliverables is by speaking to current students and exploring the campus — virtually or, when possible, in person. When learning more about your potential university, ask about the programming, activities, and events you will have access to. Search out students in similar programs and those with similar preferences. These current students will reveal a lot about what matters most.

Interested in a university where you can network with the next generation of world leaders? Learn more about Huron University.