{"id":23440,"date":"2024-01-15T10:05:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-15T02:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=advice&#038;p=23440"},"modified":"2025-12-10T13:47:44","modified_gmt":"2025-12-10T05:47:44","slug":"how-to-make-friends-in-perth","status":"publish","type":"advice","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/advice\/how-to-make-friends-in-perth\/","title":{"rendered":"How to make friends in Perth\u00a0\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So, you\u2019re starting your journey as an international student at Curtin University \u2013 how exciting! Not only will you be gaining an excellent education, but you\u2019re also immersing yourself in a new culture, meeting people from all over the world and making memories to last a lifetime.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While the thought of making friends in Perth \u2013 known as Boorloo by the Whadjuk Nyungar people \u2013 might seem stressful at first, don\u2019t worry! At Curtin, you\u2019ll have plenty of opportunities to connect, socialise and create lasting friendships.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Curtin community is also highly diverse, with a large number of students coming from overseas, meaning you\u2019ll meet plenty of people who have also moved to a new country to study. Additionally, Curtin offers a host of support services that help to ensure you feel like you belong from the moment you arrive on campus.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s explore some of the ways you can build connections and make friends during your time in Perth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Join a club or sports team<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin has a vibrant campus life, full of social and sporting clubs, teams and associations that cater to a wide range of interests, so you can play a sport you love or learn a new skill while connecting with like-minded students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/clubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin Student Guild<\/a> offers a list of more than 100 clubs and societies featuring a diverse set of themes, including academic, international, cultural and special interests. From <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/club\/crochetclub\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">crochet<\/a> to <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/club\/6112\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">bubble tea<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/club\/esports\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">eSports<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/club\/wib\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">women in business<\/a>, you\u2019re sure to find something that appeals to you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are plenty of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/sport\/competitive-sport\/clubs-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">sports<\/a> clubs to get involved with, too. Joining a competitive or social team allows you to bond over a shared interest. It\u2019s also the perfect opportunity to try a sport beloved in Aussie culture, such as Australian Rules Football (AFL), rugby or cricket.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-1000x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23443\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-1520x760.jpg 1520w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-basketball-friend-article-1920x960.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t see a club that aligns with your interests? <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/clubs\/start\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Start your own<\/a>! Curtin provides support and advice for anyone starting a club, so you\u2019ll have plenty of help.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Visit the <a href=\"https:\/\/guild.curtin.edu.au\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Guild website<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/experience\/clubs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin clubs and societies<\/a> page for a list of clubs and more information on how to get involved.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Try volunteering: give back, gain friends<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Volunteering is more than just a way to contribute to the community \u2013 it\u2019s a great way to meet new people and make friends. Joining <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/students\/experience\/volunteering\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin Volunteers!<\/a> will introduce you to people who enjoy helping others while making the world a better place.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By volunteering for a cause that resonates with you, you\u2019ll be instantly surrounded by others who share your values. This shared sense of purpose can act as a solid foundation for building connections and can lead to true friendships that last forever.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curtin Volunteers! participates in activities all around Perth and the state of WA, contributing to the wellbeing of the local community.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1365\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-friends-laughing-article-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23445\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-friends-laughing-article-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-friends-laughing-article-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-friends-laughing-article-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Check out local events<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Perth offers many events specifically for students through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin University<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.meetup.com\/en-AU\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Meetup<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.studyperth.com.au\/living-in-perth\/student-events\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">StudyPerth<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From cultural festivals and workshops to movie nights and networking events, there\u2019s no shortage of opportunities to mingle and make friends. Keep an eye on event listings and make the most of student life in Perth \u2013 you never know who you\u2019ll meet!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Start the conversation<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"500\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-1000x500.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23444\" style=\"aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-1000x500.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-740x370.jpg 740w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-480x240.jpg 480w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-1260x630.jpg 1260w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-1520x760.jpg 1520w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-kitchen-conversation-friend-article-1920x960.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Starting a conversation might feel a bit scary, but it\u2019s often the first step towards forming a new connection. Whether you\u2019re at an event or waiting around between classes, a friendly chat can open doors to a new friendship.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To ease into a conversation, have a couple of icebreakers ready to go. Ask someone what they did over the weekend, get some recommendations for where to eat after class, or discuss shared experiences as international students.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember \u2013 many people are hoping to connect, so don\u2019t be afraid to break the ice.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Make the most of technology<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>In today\u2019s digital age, technology can be a powerful tool for making friends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<p>Keep your eyes peeled on Curtin\u2019s online platforms to stay updated on services, initiatives and upcoming events through which you can meet new people. You can follow the official <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/curtinuniversity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Curtin Facebook page<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/curtinuniversity\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram account<\/a>, and check out the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/events\/?segment=dom&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwqP2pBhDMARIsAJQ0CzrdOORGTHVKHGjiIoCjBDUESKRQj76LTRgEtoYrWThO_61aLgtaBH8aAsrKEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Events page<\/a> on our website.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Your journey as an international student is a great adventure, made all the better by the people you meet and the friends you make. You\u2019re not alone as you make the leap to studying in a new country. There are plenty of activities you can do at Curtin to help you connect with potential new friends.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1366\" src=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-laptop-friends-article-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-23446\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-laptop-friends-article-scaled.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-laptop-friends-article-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-laptop-friends-article-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Take advantage of the opportunities around you \u2013 from joining a club or volunteering to attending local events.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><sup><strong><em>Disclaimer<\/em><\/strong><br><em>This post is correct as of 27 May 2024, but is subject to change by Curtin University (in its sole discretion). Curtin University may change the content, and its location or blog, post, and web address. This post contains general information only. Users should consider how it applies to their personal circumstances and seek specific advice. This blog, post, and our website are not intended as, and shall not be construed as legal, financial, tax, medical, health, or any other professional advice.<\/em><br><em>\u00a9 Curtin University 2024.<\/em><\/sup><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you\u2019re starting your journey as an international student at Curtin University \u2013 how exciting! [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4451,"featured_media":23441,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"2normal","_relevanssi_hide_post":"","_relevanssi_hide_content":"","_relevanssi_pin_for_all":"","_relevanssi_pin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_unpin_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_keywords":"","_relevanssi_related_include_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_exclude_ids":"","_relevanssi_related_no_append":"","_relevanssi_related_not_related":"","_relevanssi_related_posts":"7578,6338,5008,6648,5938,572","_relevanssi_noindex_reason":"","wds_primary_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3,114,87],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23440","advice","type-advice","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-campus-and-global-community","category-international-students","category-perth-campus"],"acf":{"post_options":{"":null,"additional_content":{"title":"","content":"","image":false},"related_courses":[{"title":"","qualification":"","link":"","description":"","faculty":""}],"credits":{"author":"","photographer":"","media":false},"display_author":true,"banner":{"image":false}},"post_components":false},"featured_image":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/INT-friends-banner-image-1000x500.jpg","author_meta":{"first_name":"Curtin","last_name":"University","display_name":"Curtin University"},"publishpress_future_workflow_manual_trigger":{"enabledWorkflows":[]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/23440","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/advice"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4451"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/advice\/23440\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23441"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23440"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23440"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23440"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}