Magazine | How do you make friends as an international student?
Starting university is exciting enough, but if you’ve also moved to a new country and have to start from scratch, you could certainly do with some help. Five tips to make friends as an international student.
1. Join the ESN Buddy Programme
The Erasmus Student Network has launched a whole programme specifically to tackle this problem. Through the so-called Buddy Programme, you, as a new international student, are paired with someone who already knows the city and student life better. Avrin Kok is herself an international student, a buddy and, since this academic year, coordinator of the Buddy Programme. She recognises that it can be difficult to make friends when you’ve just arrived at the UvA. What helped her when she moved to the Netherlands was attending ESN events. “ESN events are generally very helpful. They’re all opportunities to get to know new people.” The great thing about the Buddy Programme in particular, she says, is the personal attention. “As an international student in a new environment, it’s nice to know that there’s always at least one person looking out for you and ready to help.”
2. Join a student party
Student representation is an essential part of the UvA. This includes the student parties you can join. Not only does it look good on your CV, it’s also a great way to connect with fellow students who want to make a difference. Francesco Bruseghini is a member of the Activist Party and chair of the CSR. Don’t join a student representative body just to make friends, he warns; ultimately, it is a professional matter. But, he also says: “Through my student party, I’ve made lots of friends. There are many people with similar interests; it’s a large community. It’s nice to be with people who also want to bring about positive change.”
3. Join an (internationally-oriented) student society
Student societies are the perfect way to meet like-minded people. And Amsterdam is full of them. If you like sport, join a sports society; join a debating society; or opt for an internationally-oriented student society such as SIB or AEGEE. There’s something for every student.
4. Get involved with Kriterion, Crea or Skek
These are the places where students gather: Crea, Skek and Kriterion. Crea is the UvA’s cultural student centre on the Roeterseiland campus, where they run creative workshops, amongst other things. You can make friends and give free rein to your creativity. But you can also work there. You’re guaranteed to make friends, both amongst the visitors and amongst your new colleagues. The same applies to Kriterion. Film buffs can get involved at the cinema-and-pub on Roetersstraat. Not a film buff? In Oost, they run the Kriterion petrol station and car wash. Food enthusiasts can get involved at Skek, the café-restaurant run by the Kriterion Foundation. Cultural events are also organised here. What makes Kriterion special is that you can only work there if you’re a student. In other words: the perfect place to fish for new friends.
5. Download an app
When it comes to finding a new partner, it’s long been socially acceptable to use an app. So why not for a friendship? Bumble BFF has been around for a while and works the same as the non-platonic version: swipe and message. For those looking for something with a bit more substance, the Meetup platform is worth a look. Here, based on your interests, you’ll find various types of events you can sign up for, alongside other people looking to make a connection. For example, you can attend drawing and writing sessions, but board game nights are also organised, as well as city walks and get-togethers. You can see for yourself what sort of event you fancy and meet like-minded people there.
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