Nervous About Making Friends in the US? Read This.

Hey there!

Let’s be real – moving to a new country is exciting, but it can also be a little scary, especially when you don’t know anyone yet. You’ve probably heard a million times that “you’ll make friends in college!” But what does that actually look like when you’re thousands of miles from home, adjusting to a new culture, and not sure where to begin?

Good news: you’re not the only one feeling this way, and it’s completely normal. Let’s walk through a few simple ways to build real, lasting connections once you arrive.

Start with Classmates - They're Your First Circle

You’ll be spending a lot of time in class, so it’s the perfect place to start meeting people. Don’t overthink it - just turning to the person next to you on the first day and saying, “Hey, I’m [Your Name]. What are you studying?” can open new doors.

Group projects? Study sessions? These are golden opportunities. After class, suggest grabbing coffee or meeting up to prep for an assignment. The more you show up and participate, the more familiar faces will become part of your routine – and that familiarity often turns into friendship.

Pro tip: Look out for students you see in multiple classes or campus spots. Recognizing a face across different settings builds natural comfort over time.

Join Events, Clubs & Cultural Groups (But Don’t Stop There!)

Most U.S. colleges have hundreds of student organizations, from cultural clubs and dance teams to coding meetups and hiking groups. These clubs aren’t just fun – they’re built for connection. Go to the student org fair. Say hi to people. Try a few different groups, even if you’re not 100% sure you’ll love them.

And yes, cultural clubs can feel like home when you're adjusting to life abroad. But don’t only stick to students from your home country. Joining diverse groups helps you meet people from different walks of life and truly immerse yourself in American campus culture.

Launching Roam’s Personalized 1:1 Mentorship!

Whether you’re prepping for your visa interview, navigating life as a student in the U.S, or figuring out your OPT options, you don’t have to do it alone.

You can now book a 1:1 mentorship call with Ansh Mundra (NYU’24 and Co-Founder and CGO at Roam) and Amanda Binu (UMich’24 and experienced international student advisor). We’re also the ones who write these emails to you!

Get 30 minutes of tailored advice, real talk, and actionable next steps based on our experience helping thousands of international students thrive. As a token of our appreciation for being a valued reader of The Roam Newsletter, you can use the code NEWSLETTER5 to get $5 off your first call! This code will be valid for the next 48 hours.

Book your first call with us here!

Say “Yes” (Even When It’s Uncomfortable)

We get it – sometimes, it feels easier to stay in your room and scroll. But early on, try saying “yes” more than “no.” If someone invites you to lunch, a campus event, or even just to walk to class together - go!

You don’t have to become best friends instantly. But shared experiences, even small ones, lay the groundwork for connection. Later on, once you've found your groove, you can start being selective. But in the first few weeks? Say yes more often than not. That’s where the magic happens.

Use Your Campus Spaces to Your Advantage

Your dorm lounge, the gym, the dining hall, and the library aren’t just places to pass through. They’re also social spaces full of potential new friends. Try eating at a shared table or joining a group studying the same subject.

It can be as simple as asking, “Mind if I join you?” These small moments of courage often spark genuine conversations and friendships.

Not an incoming or current international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

Be Curious, Not Cautious

Sometimes, cultural differences can make us hold back – but they’re actually what make your perspective valuable. Ask people questions about slang, campus traditions, or even food. And when you share stories about where you’re from, you’re inviting them into your world too.

Most people love to talk about themselves. Show genuine interest, and they’ll be much more likely to open up in return.

Give It Time

Friendships take time to build. Not every classmate will become your best friend. Not every conversation will lead to a deep connection. That’s okay. What matters is showing up consistently and staying open to connection.

Some of your strongest friendships may come from the most unexpected places, so don’t worry if things don’t click right away.

PS - Roam Connect Is Built for This

We know how important it is to find someone you can relate to, especially in the early days. That’s why we created Roam Connect, a tool to help international students meet others from the same city, university, or major. You can find potential roommates, future classmates, or just someone to talk to before you land.

Try it today and find someone to explore your new campus with. You’ve got this. Making friends takes a bit of effort and a lot of patience, but you’re not starting from zero –you’re starting from a place of shared curiosity and courage.

We’re here cheering you on, every step of the way.

Warmly,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡