Student Ambassador Adithya Manoj moved across continents and found himself starting fresh in a new environment. In this blog, he shares how he built meaningful friendships through small talk, student events and staying open to new cultures.
Making New Friends in Ireland
By Adithya Manoj, BSc Data Science and AI, Ireland
Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure. At the same time, making new friends can be quite challenging. Relocating from the hustle and bustle of New Delhi, India, to Ireland definitely brought changes to my social life. Back home, I was quite extroverted and never felt alone with a bunch of friends around. Here in Ireland, the quiet surroundings and more reserved environment made me retreat a little and become more introverted.
For the first couple of weeks, my routine was mostly just college, home, and back to college. Eventually, I realised this would not give me a real feel for life in Ireland. These are some of the main things that helped me make new friends.
1. Make small talk
A simple “Hello, how’s it going?” can open up a conversation. At first, I felt intimidated, but I started speaking with classmates, international students and even locals. Small talk at university, in the gym or while waiting for a bus can lead to real friendships over time.
2. Join societies and clubs
Societies are among the best ways to meet people who think like you. I did not wait too long and decided to create one. Then I applied to be an International Student Ambassador for my college. I was accepted and, through the role, met a brilliant group of students who helped expand my social circle.
3. Attend social events
There is always something happening at Irish universities, from pub nights to cultural festivals. These events helped me meet people outside of my course and gave me a better understanding of Irish culture. Gaming zones, markets and sports events also became great places to meet new people.
4. Use social media and student groups
WhatsApp and Facebook student groups are full of posts about meetups, study sessions and social events. Being active in these groups helped me connect with others who shared my interests, even outside college hours.
5. Step outside your comfort zone
It is easy at the beginning to stay in your bubble. But putting yourself out there really makes a difference. Asking someone for coffee after class or joining a casual game of football might feel small, but it goes a long way.
6. Be open to different cultures
Ireland welcomes people from all over the world. Being open-minded and appreciating other cultures helped me make friends across nationalities. It also made my experience here more meaningful and rewarding.
7. Be consistent
Friendships take time. Being consistent in checking in, making plans and showing up to events helped strengthen my connections.
This journey has been a rewarding one. I started off reserved and now have a strong social circle in Ireland. It is not always easy to make new friends in a foreign country, but small steps, openness and a willingness to connect can make all the difference.
If you are new in Ireland, take the first step. Say hello, join a club, and enjoy the experience. You never know where it might lead you.
Adithya Manoj is studying at Atlantic Technological University via Education in Ireland.
