Tips for Making Friends with Locals and Other Students
- Jihane Sato
- Feb 5
- 3 min read
Studying abroad is not only about improving your English. It is also about meeting new people., sharing experiences, and building friendships that can last a lifetime.
Whether you are living in Christchurch or Queenstown, making friends as an international student is easier than you might think.
Here are some simple and effective tips to make friends while you study abroad, build your social life in New Zealand, and feel confident connecting with both locals and other students.
Join School Activities and Events
One of the easiest ways to meet new people is by joining the activities and events organised by LSNZ.
You will meet students from different countries.
Activities create natural conversation opportunities.
You can practise your English in a relaxed, friendly environment.
LSNZ offers regular events, additional academic activities, city walks and nature hikes, adventure trips, and social afternoons.
These are ideal for connecting with others.
Talk to Locals in Everyday Situations
You do not need a big event to meet New Zealanders. Many students say that locals are friendly, open, and happy to chat.
How to connect with locals in NZ:
Say hello to your bus driver or coffee barista.
Start small conversations in shops or parks.
Ask for local recommendations such as cafes, walks, or activities.
Remember that Kiwis prefer relaxed and friendly communication.
There simple interactions help you build confidence and expand your social circle naturally.
Spend Time with Your Homestay Family
If you stay with one of our homestays, your host family is one of your biggest opportunities to form meaningful connections.
Tips for building a good relationship
Join family meals and conversations.
Ask questions about New Zealand culture.
Share your own culture, food, or traditions.
Show interest in everyday life such as pets, hobbies, or routines.
Homestay families enjoy welcoming international students and can help you understand true Kiwi life.
Join Clubs, Sports, or Community Groups
New Zealand has many clubs and groups that you can join depending on your interests. This helps you meet people with similar hobbies.
Popular options include:
Gyms and fitness classes
Dance groups
Church or community groups
Hiking clubs
Sports teams
Art and crafts workshops
You do not need to be an expert! Being enthusiastic is enough.
Be Open, Friendly, and Curious
Making friends abroad is easier when you stay open and approachable.
Simple behaviours that help:
Smile often
Make eye contact
Ask questions about others
Share your own experiences
Say yes to invitations
Friendships grow through many small moments, not through perfection.
Practise Your English without Fear
You do not need to have perfect English to make friends. In Fact, practising with others, even when you make mistakes, shows confidence and effort.
People care more about connection than perfect grammar.
The more you practise, the more natural conversations become.
Locals appreciate seeing international students try.
Your confidence will grow through each conversation.
Stay Open to Different Countries
Studying abroad means meeting people from all around the world. Some of your closest friendships may come from classmates, not just local people.
Benefits of an international friend group:
You learn about new cultures and languages.
You experience global perspectives.
You always have someone to explore NZ with.
Your study abroad journey becomes richer, more varied, and more exciting.
FAQs: Making Friends While Studying in New Zealand
Is it easy to make friends in NZ?
Yes. New Zealanders are friendly, relaxed, and open to meeting international students.
Do I need strong English to make friends?
No. People value effort more than perfection. Even simple conversations can lead to strong friendships.
What is the best way to make friends quickly?
Join school activities, talk to classmates, and stay open to meeting new people.
Final Advice
Building your social life in New Zealand takes time, but every small step helps.
Talk to others, join activities, and stay open to new experiences. Soon you will feel at home, with new friends from both NZ and around the world.
At LSNZ, we support both your English learning and your social journey.
Our activities, homestays, and multicultural environment make it easy to connect with locals in NZ and create unforgettable memories!
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