How to turn uni friends into actual friends

Starting uni in a different country can be lonely. Finding friends that can help you get through the tough times is important. However making friends from uni classes can be tricky. 

Check out these tips to take that friendship from class to the outside world!

1. Start with a uni based activity

Start with finding a common interest. You can find something you can do together before or after class. It could be lunch, or a trip to the library, or maybe even a club, sport or society.

Finding a common interest will help keep the conversation flowing. It will also help you to decide if you want the friendship to progress past uni acquaintance.

2. Take the friendship off campus

Okay, so you've got a common interest, now it is time to take the friendship in to the real world.

You could invite them out to drinks with other friends, or go to a gig. A market is always a great way to learn more about what sort of interests they have, fashion, art, food, but gives you enough distractions that you don't have to worry about making eye contact or small talk the entire time. 

Sometimes these catch ups can be awkward. It helps to roll with the punches and give the friendship some time to find its footing. It can take a few trys of meeting outside of uni to find your rhythm. 

3. Consistency is key!

Now that you've moved the friendship outside of the bounds of uni, you should aim to find some consistency.

Arrange to go to the library to study together once a week. Ask them to catch up on the weekend. Call them and have a yap every Thursday.

By making the effort to add some consistency to your friendship you can mvoe further away from knowing only the basic sort of information about them. You can find out more about their opinions, where their interests stem from and every other thing in between. 

In no time you have accomplished the once thought unimaginable. You've turned a uni friend into an actual friend!

Go you!!