Study in the UK: Making friends with seniors at the college

Many international students experience a sense of loneliness when they first come to America. They may or may not be expecting it. People with homesickness syndrome consider the facts that they left family and friends, are in a new and strange culture, and the language may be posing some problems. If you find yourself in this spot and are feeling less confident than usual, do not withdraw from people and society. Take the initiative to meet and befriend new people. It will be worth the extra effort at the end of it.

The best way to do that is to connect with the seniors at your college. They could be from India, UK or any other country. What seniors do for new students is they show them around the campus, help with selecting classes and picking out textbooks. They also become friends and mentors in the long run. You can turn to them for any kind of advice you need related to college.

Here are a few things you can do, which will help you connect with seniors at college.

1. Join Indian Student Association of your college - Check with your college to find out the information details of Indian Student Association on campus.  Or you may prefer groups and associations which have students from around the world. You will connect with these students instantly. They are or have been through the same adjustments as you and they too are looking to make friends and to form a social network.
2. Join activity clubs - Beyond groups for international or Indian students, you may also enjoy clubs or groups that focus on special interests or activities. Look for groups of interests or hobbies you enjoy. Since many students in the UK are into extra-curricular activities, this will be your chance to meet current students.
3. Attend college athletic events - At your college, there will be always good attendance at football and cricket games. Other sports like wrestling and tennis will gather a large crowd as well. Since these games will be held on campus and the costs for students are minimal, you will have a good time for sure.
4. Go out to eat together – Sharing meals together is a great way to get to know classmates or seniors in a relaxed environment. It need not be a dinner or a meal, it could be Coffee, Tea or a small snack as well. The cafeteria is a great place to eat together and it doesn't take much time away from your studies.