Making Friends as an International Student

Introduction

Navigating university life as an international student can sometimes feel overwhelming, with moments of loneliness and isolation. However, you’re not alone—international students make up approximately a quarter of the UK university population [1]. Whether it’s adjusting to a new culture or building connections, this page is here to support you.

Created by a team of students, researchers, and professionals, it offers practical strategies and advice tailored to help you overcome feelings of loneliness, settle into your new environment, and foster a strong sense of belonging.

Let's Go

Understanding Social Isolation for International Students

According to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), 31% of international students in the UK report feeling lonely often or always, compared to 20% of home students [2]. International students are also more likely than UK-based students to express concerns about making friends (68% vs. 47%), feeling lonely (58% vs. 52%), and forming romantic relationships (47% vs. 33%) [3]. These disparities highlight the additional social and emotional hurdles faced by students from abroad. Some of these challenges may include:

  • International students may experience culture shock due to differences in social norms and academic expectations. These differences can be surprising and distressing, often leading to feelings of loneliness and a sense of not belonging or fitting in [4; 5].

  • Over time, you may start to adapt to the culture and accept its ways of functioning. However, this process—known as acculturation—can be complex and challenging. The stark differences between your own culture and UK culture can often cause significant stress [6; 7], which may further heighten feelings of loneliness and reinforce a sense of being an outsider [8].

  • Language proficiency significantly impacts both social and academic interactions, and it can be especially challenging when faced with unfamiliar rules of communication [9]. These barriers may discourage you from engaging with students outside of your own culture, limiting friendships to within your cultural group [10; 11]. In fact, language barriers are a significant predictor of loneliness among international students [12].

  • Homesickness affects 45% of international students, who report it as a significant issue impacting their well-being [13]. It is often characterised by an intense and persistent longing for home. Time zone differences can also create barriers to staying connected with family and friends over the phone [14].

  • The Equality Challenge Unit (ECU) reports that 20% of international students experience discrimination and prejudice [15]. Such experiences can negatively impact mental health, diminish the sense of belonging, and increase feelings of loneliness [16].

  • International students report higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to domestic students [17], often as a result of the combined pressures of academic performance, social isolation, and cultural adaptation during their transition [18].

  • International students often encounter complex visa regulations that can be challenging to navigate, along with restrictive work policies that create obstacles for those seeking part-time jobs while studying [19].

  • Our work at U-Belong found that most students associate moving to university with significant growth in both the quantity and quality of friendships. As an international student, you may hope to make friends from diverse backgrounds [20]. However, when these expectations are not met within the first few weeks, it can lead to a sharp decline in well-being and an increase in loneliness [21; 22].

What Can I Do?

Building a Plan of Action

Here are some ideas for actions that might help. Each step can overlap and build on others, but some parts may be more relevant to your situation. While you may have heard some of this advice before—and we understand that it can be frustrating to listen to the same things repeatedly—we suggest it because it has proven effective for many people in the past. Feel free to try something out and revisit or adjust as needed.

  • All universities offer student-led groups and organisations. Participating in social events hosted by your university and joining clubs can help you connect with like-minded individuals and expand your social circle, ultimately reducing feelings of loneliness [23]. Many universities also have group chats on social media that you can join to meet people and stay updated, making it less intimidating to engage with others when you first arrive. Additionally, there are often societies and events for specific countries and ethnicities, such as the Indian Society at King’s College London. While it’s important to branch out and step out of your comfort zone, being around others from similar backgrounds can also provide a valuable sense of belonging.

  • Universities provide additional language workshops and classes to support better integration among international students [24]. Practising English can boost confidence and communication skills in social interactions, significantly enhancing social engagement, fostering deeper connections with others, and reducing feelings of loneliness [25].

  • Consider exploring groups or communities outside of your university in your local area. Engaging with local cultural traditions and landmarks that interest you can help you adapt to your new environment, and you may discover activities and customs that you come to enjoy.

  • This can be challenging, as you might worry that lowering your expectations for making friends and finding belonging will deter you from putting in the effort. However, it's important to recognise that this is not an all-or-nothing situation. It's completely valid to want to make friends and hope to fit in. Still, try not to pressure yourself or your circumstances to achieve this within the first week or two of university. Adjusting your expectations allows you the time and space to meet those goals. Think of this as an act of kindness toward yourself.

  • Participating in sports through formal teams or leisure activities can enhance your well-being while helping you meet new people [26]. Sports often involve teamwork and cooperation, which can transcend language and cultural barriers. This can facilitate connections with others, foster meaningful bonds with students who share your interests, and create a sense of belonging. Even simple activities, like going to the gym and working out alongside someone, sharing tips, or enjoying a meal together afterwards, can contribute to a greater sense of community.

  • As you adjust to UK culture and practices, it’s important to hold on to your own cultural roots. Letting go of your identity can lead to feelings of being caught between two worlds. Don’t lose sight of who you are. It’s also vital to stay in touch with friends and family back home; talking to familiar faces during tough times can be incredibly beneficial. Consider joining at least one society or group related to your own culture and attending their events. This way, you can connect with others from your background and share experiences about the challenges of settling in.

  • The journey of being an international student comes with its share of potential stressors. Remember, moving to a different country requires courage, and feelings of loneliness can be part of the transition to independence, presenting opportunities to challenge yourself. It’s important not to feel ashamed or critical of yourself during this process. Make sure to take care of yourself and practice self-empathy [27]. If you don’t feel like going out on a particular day, that’s perfectly okay. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Set aside time each week to do something just for you—whether it’s watching your favourite movie, ordering food (or cooking if you enjoy it!), or simply enjoying some quiet time. Activities like these can help you cultivate a healthier relationship with solitude [28]. If you’re unsure where to start, consider exploring this self-care catalogue: Self-care | Anna Freud.

  • Universities offer a range of services that can be incredibly beneficial for students. University counselling services provide free, professional, and confidential mental health support, which has been shown to improve students' well-being [29]. Many universities also offer tailored counselling services specifically for international students, associated with enhanced mental health and reduced feelings of loneliness [30]. Remember, these services are here to help you! To get started, explore our university-specific support page to see what resources are available at your university: University-Specific Support — U-Belong.

  • Most universities offer structured orientation programmes for international students, which can greatly assist in adjustment and reduce adaptation stress and feelings of loneliness [31]. Your university may also have a buddy system that pairs international students with domestic students, a practice shown to be effective in reducing isolation [32].

Ask a Friend

A Journey: Hina and Syirah, two of our Student Research Assistants, write a fictional story about two international students’ journeys through university and finding their way to friendship and belonging. (Read Time: 5 minutes)

Hina and Syirah have also recorded an audio-book version of their story. Play to listen to A Journey.

A Journey
Hina and Syirah

Making Friends While Studying Abroad: Katie, an international student at the University of Edinburgh, gives tips on how to make friends. (Watch Time: 9 minutes)

Culture Shocks in England from an Asian Perspective: Suki, studying at the University of Sheffield discusses the culture shocks she faced in the UK as an Asian international student. (Watch Time: 12 minutes)

Culture Shocks in the UK: Reeta, who moved to the UK from Nigeria, shares how she navigated the culture shock. (Watch Time: 11 minutes)

Moving to the UK: TJ shares their perspective of moving to the UK to study at Bournemouth University. (Watch Time: 1 minute)

Advice on Accommodation and Managing Money: Melda and Vaiva provide guidance for students moving to the UK for higher education, covering topics such as accommodation and money management. (Watch Time: 2 minutes)

Arriving in the UK after University Acceptance: Stephanie talks about her experience of arriving in the UK after receiving her acceptance. (Watch Time: 1 minute)

Navigating Challenges of Being an International Student: Clara shares advice on integrating into new societies, breaking down language and cultural barriers and navigating other challenges as an international student in the UK. (Read Time: 4 minutes)

Share Your Story: Help fellow students learn from your experiences and feel less alone. Contribute to Student Minds, the UK’s leading student mental health charity, and ensure your voice reaches those who need it most.

What Other Support Is Available?

  • A resource pack created by the University of Warwick to help build an inclusive culture where names are respected and celebrated, especially in the international student community. (Read/Watch Time: 15 minutes)

  • This page provides up-to-date information on immigration, fees, student support, and living and working in the UK for current international students.

  • The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) offers a forum where international students can ask questions and share information about studying in the UK. The forum covers topics such as immigration, finance, health, and academic life.

  • This is a charity organisation aimed at fostering student mobility and cultural understanding.

  • This is an online platform where students can post questions or advice and share experiences with one another.

  • Student Minds was founded by our principal investigator, Dr Nicola Byrom, and is the UK's largest student mental health charity. It has regular blogs, resources, and advice posted by university students for university students.

  • A website that offers advice, information and support for students facing challenges at university.

Explore related topics:

Ethnic Minority Students
Making Friends

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Check Out Our Sources:

  1. Bolton, P., Hubble, S., & Gower, M. (2020). International and EU students in higher education in the UK FAQs. Commons Library. https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-7976/ 

  2. HEPI. (2020). The heart of the matter: Student loneliness and belonging. Higher Education Policy Institute. https://www.hepi.ac.uk/2023/02/10/the-heart-of-the-matter-student-loneliness-and-belonging%EF%BF%BC/

  3. Frampton, N., Smith, J., Smithies, D. (2022). Understanding student mental health inequalities: International students. Leeds: Student Minds. https://www.studentminds.org.uk/uploads/3/7/8/4/3784584/2022_international_students_report_final.pdf

  4. Newsome, L., & Cooper, P. (2016). International students’ cultural and social experiences in a British university: “Such a hard life [it] is here.” Journal of International Students, 6(1), 195–215. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i1.488

  5. Wawera, A.-S., & McCamley, A. (2019). Loneliness among international students in the UK. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 44(9), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1080/0309877x.2019.1673326 

  6. Chavajay, P., & Skowronek, J. (2008). Aspects of acculturation stress among international students attending a university in the USA. Psychological Reports, 103(3), 827–835. https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.103.3.827-835 

  7. Wu, H., Garza, E., & Guzman, N. (2015). International students’ challenge and adjustment to college. Education Research International, (202753), 1–9. Hindawi. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/202753 

  8. Slaten, C., Elison, Z., Lee, J.-Y., Yough, M., & Scalise, D. (2016). Belonging on campus. The Counseling Psychologist, 44(3), 383–410. https://doi.org/10.1177/0011000016633506  

  9. Zheng, K., Johnson, S., Jarvis, R., Victor, C., Barreto, M., Qualter, P., & Pitman, A. (2023). The experience of loneliness among international students participating in the BBC loneliness experiment: Thematic analysis of qualitative survey data. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 4, 100113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2023.100113 

  10. Sawir, E., Marginson, S., Deumert, A., Nyland, C., & Ramia, G. (2008). Loneliness and international students: An Australian study. Journal of Studies in International Education, 12(2), 148-180. https://doi.org/10.1177/1028315307299699

  11. Slagter, C. & Pyper, M. (2019). Linguistic loneliness and study abroad. The Interdisciplinary Journal of Study Abroad, 31(1), 46-58. https://doi.org/10.36366/frontiers.v31i1.442

  12. Wu, H., Garza, E., & Guzman, N. (2015). International students’ challenge and adjustment to college. Education Research International, 2015(202753), 1–9. Hindawi. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/202753 

  13. Etio International Student Barometer (2024). The 2024 Global Student Experience Report. Available from https://info.etioglobal.org/2024-global-student-experience-report-download

  14. O’Mahony, M. & Jeske, D. (2019). Study-work-life balance of international students in the context of temporal boundaries. Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies in Education, 7(2), 63-79. 

  15. Equality Challenge Unit (2015). Understanding adjustments: Supporting staff and students who are experiencing mental health difficulties. https://s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/assets.creode.advancehe-document-manager/documents/advance-he/ECU_Understanding-adjustments_1573141675.pdf

  16. Maleku, A., Kim, Y., Kirsch, J., Um, M., Haran, H., Yu, M., & Moon, S. (2022). The hidden minority: Discrimination and mental health among international students in the US during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health & social care in the community, 30(5), e2419–e2432. https://doi.org/10.1111/hsc.13683

  17. Kivelä, L., Mouthaan, J., Van Der Does, W. & Antypa, N. (2024). Student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: Are international students more affected? Journal of American College Health, 72:2, 414-422. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2022.2037616

  18. Forbes-Mewett, H., & Sawyer, A.-M. (2016). International students and mental health. Journal of International Students, 6(3), 661–677. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i3.348

  19. Liu, W. (2024). The impact of visa policy on higher education international students. Journal of Education Humanities and Social Sciences, 26 (1), 92-99. https://doi.org/10.54097/0bkyjg13

  20. Newsome, L., & Cooper, P. (2016). International students’ cultural and social experiences in a British university: “Such a hard life [it] is here.” Journal of International Students, 6(1), 195–215. https://doi.org/10.32674/jis.v6i1.488 

  21. Lillyman, S., & Bennett, C. (2014). Providing a positive learning experience for international students studying at UK universities: A literature review. Journal of Research in International Education, 13(1), 63–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1475240914529859

  22. Zheng, K., Johnson, S., Jarvis, R., Victor, C., Barreto, M., Qualter, P., & Pitman, A. (2023). The experience of loneliness among international students participating in the BBC Loneliness Experiment: Thematic analysis of qualitative survey data. Current Research in Behavioral Sciences, 4, 100113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crbeha.2023.100113 

  23. Thies, T., & Falk, S. (2023). International Students in Higher Education: Extracurricular Activities and Social Interactions as Predictors of University Belonging. Research in Higher Education. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11162-023-09734-x

  24. Allhouse, M. (2013). International student engagement with Student Union activities as a way to increase sense of belonging, improve cultural integration and aid language confidence.

  25. Smith, R. A., & Khawaja, N. G. (2011). A review of the acculturation experiences of international students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 35(6), 699–713. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2011.08.004

  26. Li, S., & Zizzi, S. (2017). The influence of physical activity on international graduate students’ cross-cultural adjustment: A qualitative longitudinal study. Faculty & Staff Scholarship. https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/faculty_publications/2916/

  27. Altinyelken, H., Hoek, L., & Jiang, L. (2019). Improving the psychosocial wellbeing of international students: The relevance of mindfulness. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 48(4), 524–536. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2019.1600189

  28. Huang, Z. and Cockayne, H. (2023) Searching for belonging: Learning from students’ photographs about their higher education experiences. London Review of Education, 21 (1), 27. https://doi.org/10.14324/LRE.21.1.27.

  29. Broglia, E., Millings, A., Barkham, M. (2021). Student mental health profiles and barriers to help-seeking: When and why students seek help for a mental health concern. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, 21(4), 816-826. https://doi.org/10.1002/capr.12462

  30. Cogan, N., Liu, X., Chin-Van Chau, Y., Kelly, S., Anderson, T., Flynn, C., Scott, L., Zaglis, A. & Corrigan, P. (2023). The taboo of mental health problems, stigma and fear of disclosure among Asian international students: Implications for help-seeking, guidance and support. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/03069885.2023.2214307

  31. Ellard, O., Dennison, C., & Tuomainen, H. (2022). Review: Interventions addressing loneliness amongst university students: a systematic review. Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 28(4). https://doi.org/10.1111/camh.12614 

  32. Nilsson, P. (2019). The Buddy Programme: Integration and social support for international students. Journal of Comparative and International Higher Education, 11(1), 36-43. https://doi.org/10.32674/jcihe.v11iWinter.1095