Making friends at Boston University as an international student

Being an international student at Boston University means joining one of the most diverse student bodies in the United States. It also means arriving in a new country, navigating a different culture, and often feeling like an outsider for the first few months. The key is to find both your home-country community and a bridge into the broader BU and Boston communities. ## Start with ISSO and international orientation The International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) is the first stop. The orientation events, workshops, and socials are designed to help international students connect. The people you meet in these first events are often in the same situation as you, and those shared experiences can become fast friendships. ## Find your cultural community BU has cultural and nationality-based student organizations for almost every country and region. These groups are invaluable for homesickness, practical advice, and celebration. They are also a great place to meet upperclassmen who can guide you. But try not to stay only in one cultural group. The goal is a balance between comfort and expansion. ## Conversation partners and language exchange Many international students want to improve their English and many domestic students want to learn other languages. The conversation partner programs, language exchange meetups, and international student coffee hours are low-pressure ways to meet people. These conversations often turn into real friendships. ## Join a regular activity outside the international circle The students who adjust best often join one activity that is not specifically for international students. A club sport, a music group, a volunteer organization, or a student publication gives you a reason to interact with people from different backgrounds. This is where your Boston social life expands beyond the people who arrived the same way you did. ## Your first month plan - **Week 1:** Attend ISSO orientation and meet three other international students. - **Week 2:** Join one cultural organization and one non-cultural activity or club. - **Week 3:** Sign up for a conversation partner program or language exchange. - **Week 4:** Invite a small group to explore Boston together: a museum, a park, or a meal in a neighborhood. ## Common questions - **Is it hard to make American friends as an international student?** It can be at first, but joining shared activities and being consistent is the key. American students are often open but may not actively reach out. - **Should I only hang out with people from my country?** That is a natural starting point, but branching out will help you grow and feel more connected to Boston. - **What if my English is not perfect?** Most people do not care. Conversation partners are there exactly for this. - **How do I deal with homesickness?** Cultural groups, regular video calls home, and building a routine in Boston all help. - **What is the best place to meet domestic students?** Class study groups, club activities, volunteer programs, and campus jobs are the best bridges.