Which activities can help me make friends as an international student at German universities?
German universities organise many activities through the semester that help international students meet classmates, including orientation week programs, sports clubs, music and photography societies, cultural associations, entrepreneurship clubs, volunteering initiatives and Erasmus Student Network events. Offerings vary by university, so check your own campus.
Making friends in a new country mostly depends on how willing you are to step outside your comfort zone. German universities organise many activities during the semester that make this easier for international students.
Popular Activities for International Students
| Activity type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Welcome events | Orientation Week programs |
| Sports and hobbies | Sports clubs, music and photography societies |
| Community groups | Cultural associations, Indian student associations |
| Professional interests | Entrepreneurship clubs |
| Giving back | Student volunteering initiatives |
| International networks | Erasmus Student Network (ESN) events |
Why These Clubs Help
- They let you build friendships while developing new skills outside academics.
- Many universities also have Indian student associations that celebrate festivals such as Diwali and Holi, which can help you feel connected to home.
- Which clubs exist differs by university, so look at your university's student pages.
My Advice
Join your orientation week programs on day one, then pick one or two clubs that match your interests and attend them regularly. Showing up repeatedly does more for friendships than joining many groups once.
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