Sri Lankan News
Campus Clubs Make it Easy to Make Friends in NZ
Tuesday, 15 July 2008
International students can find it difficult and lonely studying in a foreign country, but there's no need to spend your spare time alone. Joining a club on your campus or in the community is a great way to meet other people who share your interests.
Many schools in New Zealand, especially the universities, have a wide range of student clubs and organisations that cater to specific activities and interests. These can include groups who participate in a particular sport, groups of students from the same country or region, religious groups, groups who have a common hobby such as drawing or photography, and even social groups who dine out together or arrange wine tastings.
International groups can be an easy way to meet other students from your home country. This gives you a chance to speak your native language for a while, and compare notes with other people who understand your culture. Some international groups plan events to celebrate their country's holidays, and maintain traditions from home. Some even have cultural celebrations where they invite other students, or the general public, to enjoy their home country's food, music and performing arts.
Religious groups can also help to make you feel more comfortable and settled. Gathering with a group who share your beliefs makes it easier to adapt to your new country. New Zealanders are free to practice any religion, so on-campus groups are common and descrimination based on religion is illegal.
While clubs and groups of students from your home country can be comforting, joining a group where most of the members are New Zealanders will help to improve your English, and you'll be sure to learn more about the Kiwi lifestyle. To mingle with more locals, try joining a sports club or a social club.
Some of the most popular sports on campus are rugby, cricket, netball, badminton, soccer, tramping (hiking), rock climbing and martial arts. However, you can find clubs for more unusual sports on some campuses, so if you've always wanted to learn fencing or archery this could be your big chance.
Social clubs can be anything from a casual group who enjoy going to restaurants or movies together, to a more structured group who might be interested in photography, wine tasting, astronomy, or just about anything else you can imagine. This is a great way to make friends who have the same interests as you.
The longer you are in New Zealand, the more friends you will make. But if you're having trouble meeting new people when you arrive, check with your school's student support services to see what clubs are available to join. If your activity doesn't have a club on campus, there may be a club in the community you can join instead. Check your local newspapers, and ask around. And if there isn't a club for your favourite activity - you may want to start one yourself!
Share this article
Subscribe to this blog 