Written by Malia Mercado
As someone who is shy and introverted, I know how difficult it can be to meet new people and make friends. Before coming to Australia for my exchange semester, one of my biggest worries was whether I would be able to make friends, especially since I had struggled with that at my home university in Canada. Thankfully, Charles Sturt made the experience much easier, and I’ve now formed friendships that I hope will continue even after returning home.
Orientation Week
Before classes began, we had Orientation Week. As an international exchange student, attending the international orientation was mandatory for me, and I’m really glad it was. There were many activities and events throughout the week, which made meeting people much easier because many students were in the same situation — either first-year students or international students who were also new to Australia. I found that simply sitting beside someone new often led to a conversation. Especially during the international orientation, everyone could relate to each other’s experiences, which made socialising feel more natural and less intimidating.
Living in Student Residence
Living in student residence has probably been the biggest reason I’ve been able to meet people and make friends. I live in a shared residence at the Port Macquarie (Port) campus, where there are common spaces like a lounge and kitchen that naturally encourage interaction. Everyone on my floor has been friendly and respectful, and we often spend time together after dinner chatting or playing games.
At the same time, I still have my own private room, so I can choose when I want to socialise and when I need quiet time to recharge. That balance has been really important for me.
There have also been many events and activities organised by the Residential Leaders at our residence, such as a beach day at Shelly Beach and a dorm dinner at Settlers Inn Hotel. These events created relaxed, low-pressure environments that made it easy to talk to new people.
Getting Involved in Campus Events
I know not everyone is a first-year student or lives in residence, so another great way to meet people is by attending campus events. At the Port campus, there have been many fun and accessible activities throughout the semester.
For example, during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, buses were provided to take students safely to and from Finnian’s Irish Tavern. Because the event was open to the public, it was a great opportunity to meet people outside the Charles Sturt community.
Another memorable event was the Do It For Dolly beach afternoon. Students from different courses and residences came together to spend time at the beach, enjoy food, and support a meaningful cause. The relaxed atmosphere made it easy to start conversations and meet new people.
Another highlight was the May Ball, a formal dinner and dance open to all students, which had transportation to and from campus. It was a great opportunity to socialise, meet people from different groups, and enjoy dressing up for the occasion.
There have also been events specifically for international students, such as pizza lunches and craft activities. These smaller, low-pressure gatherings create a comfortable environment where international students can continue meeting others beyond Orientation Week.
Key Takeaways
If I could give one piece of advice to anyone nervous about meeting people, it would be to get involved. Whether you live in residence or not, there are many opportunities to participate in events and activities. It can feel intimidating at first, but sometimes taking that first step is what helps you find your place.
I also try to remind myself not to overthink things, even though it’s something I’m definitely guilty of. The right people will appreciate you for who you are. I was nervous about moving to a country where I barely knew anyone, but now I’ve formed friendships and memories that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. If I can do it, you can too.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
