Moving to the UK as an international student is exciting, but being the only one from your background in the building can feel isolating. You hear laughter down the hallway, but none of it includes you. Your flatmates are polite but preoccupied, and social media seems to show everyone making instant friends—except you. You’re not doing anything wrong; this is a common challenge many face. The QS International Student Survey 2023 found that over 40% of international students cite “making friends” as one of the hardest parts of studying abroad. But here’s the good news: there are proven strategies to help you connect, feel seen, and build genuine friendships, no matter where you’re starting from or how alone you feel right now.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know:
Where and how to approach new people confidently
What social habits and cues can help break the ice
Why your student accommodation setup matters in building your community
The best strategies to foster genuine friendships—even if you’re the only international student in your block
Let’s dive in.
The Challenge: Loneliness in the First Few Weeks
Arriving in the UK as an international student can be both thrilling and disorienting, especially when you're the only one from your cultural background in your building. Without familiar customs, food, or language around you, the initial days can feel lonely. But according to a 2019 British Council report, 80% of international students eventually feel socially integrated—proof that connection is possible with proactive steps. The good news? You don’t need to wait for others to reach out first. Your journey toward community often starts with a smile in the hallway, a shared meal, or a simple introduction. Building friendships begins right where you live, one small action at a time, and it gets easier every day you try.
Key Stats: The Social Integration Gap
Let’s understand the numbers behind this challenge:
The UK had over 680,000 international students enrolled in 2023.
However, according to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), nearly 1 in 3 international students report feeling excluded or isolated in student housing during the first term.
Among students who actively socialised within their housing block, 88% reported greater academic satisfaction and mental wellbeing.
So while your initial discomfort is real, you’re not alone, and you can change your experience through deliberate action.
7 Ways to Make Friends When You’re the Only International Student in Your Building
1. Use Communal Spaces as Conversation Starters
Shared kitchens, laundry rooms, lounges—they’re more than functional. They’re social goldmines.
Try asking:
"Hey, is this where people usually hang out after lectures?"
"I’m from [Your Country]—is there a good local coffee place you’d recommend?"
Even short, low-pressure interactions plant seeds for future connections.
A 2018 study in Frontiers in Psychology confirms that repeated, casual encounters increase the chances of friendship, regardless of background.
2. Attend Events Organised by Your Housing or Campus
Even if no one in your building shares your background, chances are your university hosts welcome activities, language exchanges, and mixers. Showing up matters.
Students who attended just two university-led social events reported a 27% higher sense of belonging compared to those who didn’t.
Join things like:
Intercultural nights
International student meetups
Campus tours or group outings
These provide structured ways to meet new people, with built-in conversation starters.
3. Join University Societies that Mix Cultures and Interests
Don’t limit yourself to just your cultural society—join others, too. Common interests often build quicker connections than shared nationality alone.
Popular student society categories include:
Photography, music, or gaming clubs
Debating, sustainability, or volunteering groups
Language exchange or travel clubs
According to the UK National Student Survey (NSS), students involved in two or more societies were 60% more likely to report strong friendships by mid-term.
4. Practice the “One New Person a Day” Rule
Challenge yourself: talk to one new person each day—even for just 60 seconds. This could be someone in the lift, at the coffee machine, or walking past your door.
Try lines like:
"Are you heading to class or chilling today?"
"Have you found the best place for takeaway yet?"
Over a week, that’s seven small but meaningful connections—more than most people try.
5. Host a Cultural Sharing Night
Instead of feeling "different," turn your culture into your strength.
Ideas:
Share snacks or dishes from home
Teach a few phrases in your language
Show photos from your city or university back home
A 2022 survey by Universities UK International revealed that 72% of British students wanted to learn more about their international peers’ cultures, but weren’t sure how to start. You can bridge that gap.
6. Join Local Digital Communities
If your building feels quiet, widen your social circle digitally.
Look for:
WhatsApp or Telegram groups for your student hall or university
City-specific student Discord servers
These can help you connect with others in your area—even if they’re in a neighbouring building or street.
7. Talk to a Welfare Officer or Student Support Advisor
If the loneliness lingers, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone official at your university. Welfare officers, international support teams, and campus advisors are trained to help.
They might:
Connect you with peer mentors
Recommend specific clubs or groups
Provide workshops or counselling to build social confidence
Remember, asking for help is not weakness—it’s wisdom.
Your Student Housing Experience Shapes Your Social Life
The type of student rooms and student apartments you choose significantly influences your chances of connecting with others. If you're living in a lively flat-share with communal areas, spontaneous conversations and group plans happen naturally. On the other hand, more private setups may require extra effort to build connections, but they can still offer meaningful social moments.
At Student Tenant, we help you find student accommodation across the UK that suits both your lifestyle and social goals. Our listings include:
Shared flats with communal areas
Studio rooms near major universities
Friendly neighbourhoods with student events
Choose an environment that makes interaction easy, so you never feel like you’re starting from zero.
Conclusion: Friendships Take Time—But Start with One Hello
Feeling alone in a new country is overwhelming, but every strong friendship starts small. Begin with a smile, a short chat, or attending one event—it’s these tiny efforts that lead to lasting bonds. You don’t need a big group to feel connected, just one honest connection at a time to begin belonging.