“Hey, as a freshman, making new friends is super important for your school life. Here are some tips for all you freshies on how to expand your social circle on campus.”

Join the club activities
On the Ohashi campus, you will find loads of awesome sports and cultural clubs that can enhance your student life and help you make new connections. It is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people who share your interests and passions. You can chat about various fascinating topics and try out new sports and activities, which is a fun way to spend your time on campus! You can read the details on the club activities website.

Living in the university dormitory
Living in a dorm as a freshman can be tough, and you might even feel homesick. But don’t worry. At Ijiri International Dormitory, which is exclusively for students studying on the Ohashi campus, you will find a vibrant community of international students who hold various activities like chess games, cooking and dining together, and just hanging out. It is a great place to make new friends and learn about different cultures by participating in dorm events, cracking jokes and having a good time. So, don’t be afraid to try dorm life and embrace the opportunity to meet new people and make the most of your college experience.

Be friendly and sociable
Don’t be shy! Strike up a conversation with your classmates and try to get to know them better. You can grab lunch together during class breaks, walk around campus or hang out after class. Also, you can connect with your classmates on social media. You can ask them for help when you are struggling with a subject or just need someone to talk to. Remember, the university is not just about studying. It is also about building connections and making friends. So, put yourself out there and enjoy new experiences.

Attend the welcome party
Since the COVID-19 pandemic is not as serious, we resume welcome parties. This is a great opportunity to make new friends and learn about each other’s cultures and traditions while playing games, snacking, drinking and chatting. In May, we welcomed international students who arrived in Fukuoka through a welcome party with Geiko international and local students. We all enjoyed some delicious food, like sushi, pizza, and refreshing drinks. Then we played games and chatted, which was a lot of fun.

Join groups on social networks
Usually, there are course groups on social media platforms for undergraduate students to connect and share information with their peers. It’s important to join these groups to stay up to date with class updates, assignments and other important information. Similarly, graduate students typically have groups for lab members to share lab-related information and seminars. Being part of these groups not only helps you stay informed but also allows you to get to know your classmates and lab members better.

Join the field trips
Class Teachers often organize trips to promote socialization and community-building. These trips provide a great opportunity to get to know your classmates and teachers outside the classroom. While on the trip, you can chat, have fun, and even do sightseeing together. It is a chance to bond with friends and gain valuable experiences outside of class through travel. Many international students on the Ohashi campus are particularly enthusiastic about joining field trips because they get to travel to new places, experience new things, enjoy the scenery, make new friends, or build deeper friendships.

Explore and attend campus events and festivals
We have a diverse range of student-run events that cater to different courses and interests. These events are usually held at the Exhibition Hall and Design Common Room. You can find details about them on campus notice boards and websites. In addition, we also have school festivals that take place on campus. For example, in November 2022, we had the Geiko-Sai (Design Festival), which featured live events, fashion shows, installations, and idol performances. Attending these events and festivals is a great way to broaden your horizons and meet new friends. You can find more information about our campus festivals and events on our official website and the Geiko Global website.

For students who are new to the school, you may want to check out the article “Things to know as a Freshman” for information that helps you get around your first few months.

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About the writer
Hello! My name is Su Yadanar Kyi from Myanmar. I am a Year 1 Master’s student in the Environmental Design Course. I am thrilled to be an author for the university website. My articles aim to share valuable insights, inspire readers, and showcase our university’s vibrant academic and extracurricular opportunities.
I invite you to explore campus life, celebrate achievements, and delve into the diverse perspectives within our university community.