Expanding your Adelaide social circle

Now that the semester is almost over, is your social circle where you want it to be?

Having meaningful relationships is just as important as excelling in your academics. When I think back to the day I first arrived in Adelaide, I vividly remember the anxiety I felt about the social aspects of my life in this new city. 

Building a social circle from scratch seemed daunting, but I soon discovered the multitude of opportunities awaiting me in this small but vibrant city. Below are a few things that helped me: 

• Joining Clubs: Start by seeking out clubs and groups that align with your interests. Joining university clubs is a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals outside of your classes. This is where lifelong friendships can take root. I personally developed my continued friendships while enjoying going camping and talking about Japanese culture in the club. 
  Adelaide University Mountain Club 
  Japanese Language and Cultural Society 

• Workshop Connections: It may seem a bit intimidating at first but reaching out to fellow students during tutorials (workshops, seminars, or any small size of classes) can lead to invaluable connections. Those discussions don't just help you ace your assignments; they support broader social interactions as well. 

• Dormitory Events and Interactions: If you're living in student accommodation, don't miss out on the events and by-gatherers. Engaging with other tenants can be incredibly rewarding. I recently joined the cooking session in the dormitory and met a master's student who is also pursuing a degree in Computer Science. I am glad that I now have someone to discuss my coursework with who lives so nearby! Yay! 

Living far from the familiar comforts of home can be a daunting task. But with a robust social circle, the journey becomes a lot more manageable. Together, you'll navigate the winding paths of life and share stories, laughter, and the strength to overcome challenges. 

The benefits of expanding your social circle aren't exclusive to international students. Whether you've grown up in Adelaide or any other city and attended college there, you might find yourself needing to forge new connections when moving to a new city or starting a new job. We're all travellers on this journey of life, and hopefully, these are some ideas to help you build a network of friends for those moments when you need to grow your social circle. 

So, take a moment to envision the relationships you desire and look around! Remember, not every person you meet needs to become your bosom buddy, but they can be the friendly faces you share a 'hello' and a chat within a tutorial. Take action today and enjoy your unique social adventure!