Making new friends is one of the most significant first steps you’ll take on your study journey in Perth. Whether you’re a confident extrovert, or a little more shy and introverted, there are plenty of ways you can meet new people in Perth to suit your interests. Let’s run through some of your options for making friends at UWA.
Clubs and societies
The easiest way to make friends is to find people with similar interests, and with over 160 clubs and societies registered through the UWA Guild, you’re bound to meet likeminded people. From anime to zoology, film, board games and even celestial exploration, UWA’s clubs and societies cover religion and spirituality, cultural groups, faculties and various professions.
UWA’s student clubs and societies host events throughout the year, meaning you will have plenty of opportunities to meet new people - and then catch up with them again regularly! Head to the UWA Student Guild website, where you can get in touch with clubs directly for more information.
University events
Where better to meet fellow students than at university events? Orientation (or ‘O-Week’) is one of the most important events on UWA’s calendar. There are a range of events and activities on offer for you to meet other new students and familiarise yourself with the campus.
Outside of O-Week, UWA hosts a range of diverse events, seminars and courses that give you an opportunity to meet people – and maybe even start networking! You can find a calendar of events here.
Apps and websites
Living in the digital age makes meeting people a lot easier. In fact, you can do it from the palm of your hand! Bumble BFF is an app that lets you connect with people in your area. You can communicate with new connections online until you’re ready to meet, making it a good option if you’re a little more introverted.
Meetup is also a popular online network where you can search for groups with similar interests, then meet up with them face-to-face. There are so many diverse groups across Perth that there really is something for everyone. You can find English language groups, sports teams, photography clubs, book clubs, walking groups… you name it, you’ll find it on Meetup. If you think there’s something missing, start your own Meetup group!
International student groups
As an international student, sometimes there’s nothing better than chatting to someone who’s going through the same experiences. At UWA, one of the best places to discover a new international community is through the Language and Cultural Exchange Program (LACE). With LACE, you can meet people from different countries and cultures to explore global topics and perspectives, and expand your ever-growing social network.
Alternatively, you can connect with the many cultural clubs and societies at UWA. If you’re not sure where to start, contact the International Students’ Department of the UWA Student Guild, which looks after the welfare of all international students studying at UWA.
English conversation groups
While your English might already be very good, taking a course can only help improve things. Plus, it has the added benefit of helping you meet new people from the local community, from fellow students to your teacher.
Regular conversations, study and practice are all essential to learn a language, and at UWA, there’s no shortage of English-language courses, conversation clubs and tutors available. Find out more about UWA’s Academic Skills Centre and the support services offered to you during your studies in Perth.
Team sports
Australians are pretty keen on their sports. A sports team allows you to meet and bond with a group of people on a regular basis. If you’re keen on cricket, curious about Aussie Rules (AFL), or thinking about giving badminton a try, you’ll always be able to find sports teams at UWA that are looking for new members.
