Written by Mitch W.
If you want the full uni experience, friendship absolutely still exists online – you just have to lean in a little.
Studying online is brilliant for flexibility, work-life balance, and not having to fight for a carpark on campus. The downside is that it isn’t automatic when it comes to making friends. There is no casual chat before class, no walking out to grab a coffee together. However, it is still absolutely possible to make real friendships through online study. I have done it myself. It just takes small intentional steps, and a bit of openness.
Be active in the online spaces
Forums, group chats and Discord servers are not only there for assessment questions. Comment, respond, be curious, ask something, or share a resource that helped you. When you show up regularly and participate, people begin to recognise your presence and personality. That is where connection begins.
Join online-friendly university events
Most universities now run online social events and study communities such as club meetups, webinars, Q&A nights and virtual hangouts. Choose a few that genuinely interest you and add them to your calendar. It is easier to start conversations with people when you already share a topic, a lecturer or a course context.
Host or join Zoom study sessions
This is my personal favourite way to build online friendships. Often we simply study quietly on mute, and then talk for ten minutes at the end. It creates a sense of being in it together, even when we are spread across different states. Study sessions are also incredibly helpful when working on assessments. If someone is confused about a criterion or does not understand part of the task, the group can talk it through. Those short conversations often save hours of stress later.
Be yourself
Authenticity builds trust. You do not need to act more academic or formal than you actually are. Real friendships grow when you show up as a real human.
Practise active listening
Good friendship is built on understanding. In your comments and conversations, try to listen fully. Ask follow up questions, acknowledge people’s feelings and perspectives, and notice what is important to them.
Make the most of in-person intensives
My cohort meets in Wagga Wagga for our intensives, and we always include a social night. Meeting in person confirms that the online connections we build throughout the year are real.
Online friendship does not just happen by itself. But with a bit of energy and authenticity, it can become one of the best and most rewarding parts of studying online.
Charlie is a SSAF funded initiative.
