Making friends during COVID-19

As you are aware, the pandemic has created a social rift for many. This is especially true of international students. Many are now living alone, isolated, in a country far from home. It is important to remember that, although this isolation is very real, there are many ways to combat it.

First of all, reach out to your fellow students. Here at UCD, we are lucky to have a cohort of diverse students. The most important thing to remember is that everyone is feeling the same. Ensure that you are part of the WhatsApp groups that are created each year for your course, and when the class ambassadors are selected, make note of their names and numbers. These two resources will be invaluable to you in the future. If you have not already been in contact with your fellow students, make sure to get in contact now. When you are put into break out rooms with class mates, ask them if they would be comfortable with you following them on their social media platforms. There are lots of ways to make new friends, but it does take a little extra courage, and we appreciate this is hard.

Luckily, when you sign up to our newsletter, you will receive information about lots of virtual events happening each week, and how you can join in. These are perfect ways to talk to new people from all backgrounds. Also, if you are experiencing problems, or simply feeling down, you ca

n contact us here at ucdinternationalstudentassociation@gmai.com, or get in touch with Nadia Clarkin, the UCD School of Business Student Advisor, who is on hand to help with any issues (nadia.clarkin@ucd.ie).

Also, don’t forget to sign up to our Buddy System, and get yourself a student mentor. Our mentor system was created with international students in mind. These students will aid you with any barriers you encounter, and we hope that you can learn from one another as you tackle your college experience.