Making New Friends
It can be stressful watching other students
making friends easily, while you sit on the
sidelines, but making friends is a skill just like
any other that can be learnt and improved.
Joining a group or activity that you enjoy can
take a lot of pressure off as you focus on
enjoying your interest with like minded people.
Remember to smile and say hello to people
whenever you have an opportunity. When you
are in lecturers or tutorials display open body
language and be approachable. Take an
interest in what other people are talking about,
nothing will make you appear friendlier than
your ability to listen and ask questions.
Practice is the key, don’t take rejection personally, and desensitize yourself to any
lack of interest by creating opportunities to talk to as wide a range of people as
possible. Most people are more involved in thinking about themselves and their own
issues than thinking about you. If you feel that you are lacking in self-confidence then
take active steps to improve this.
New to Brisbane?
You may not have had time to make new friends and develop a support network but
this is a valuable use of your time. University life can be busy and stressful,
balancing this with friends and social events makes life more fun and is an important
stress reduction strategy. Incorporating sport or exercise into your schedule is
particularly valuable because it produces stress reducing benefits as well as social
ones.
Moving to a new city is full of new possibilities but it can also be a lonely experience
if you don’t have an established network of friends and family.
There are many places that welcome new people in Brisbane, such as; social and
sporting groups, cultural groups, spiritual practice communities, arts & dance,
volunteer groups, etc. Have a look at some of the following websites and try
something different that interests you.
Websites to Explore
Psychology Today Articles
http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/friends
UQ Sports
UQ health and fitness centre, Pilates, yoga, indoor sports, weights gym, squash courts,
basketball courts, swimming and martial arts. Sports clubs, dance, martial arts
http://www.uqsport.com.au/
UQ Clubs & Societies
There are around 150 different clubs and societies with a wide range of interests that you
can join.
http://www.uqunion.uq.edu.au/
Brisbane Groups & Clubs
One of the best ways of meeting people, especially when you move to a new city, is to join
special interest groups and clubs.
http://www.brisbanecitylife.com.au/bcl/intgroup.htm
Brisbane City Council
Promoting active, healthy lifestyles in Brisbane. Range of programs for different groups and
interests.
http://www.brisbane.qld.gov.au/BCC:BASE::pc=PC_1262
Queensland Multicultural Directory
Contact details of all the different cultural and community groups located in Brisbane. If you
are drawn to a particular culture, find out more about it and meet some new people.
http://www.multicultural.qld.gov.au/publications/
Find a Meetup Group Near You
Range of social groups to choose from in Brisbane, with a variety of activities and member
events to enjoy.
http://social.meetup.com/cities/au/brisbane/
Get a Life
An activity based social networking site for people who like to meet old and new friends in
real life. Anything from bush walking, to theatre visits, to Friday drinks to dinner dates. The
first month is free, then a small fee is required to maintain membership.
http://www.getalife.com.au/
Queensland Performing Arts Centre
Live music, dance, drama and comedy performances.
http://www.qpac.com.au/
BEMAC – Multicultural Arts
BEMAC specialises in the development, presentation and promotion of multicultural arts.
http://www.bemacpresents.org.au/
Gay Lesbian Welfare Association
Wide range of social clubs for LGBTI people.
http://www.glwa.org.au/Links-Recreation.html#55
Brisbane Urban Adventure Tours
Try a free guided tour of the city to orientate yourself and learn more about Brisbane.
http://www.brisbaneurbanadventures.com/
Dabbler Social Club
Wide range of group interests, social activities and functions.
http://www.dabblerssocialclub.org.au/