Making friends: how to build real connections as a student

Start with shared spaces and shared interests

One of the easiest ways to connect with others is through shared interests. Whether it’s sports, music, film, or gaming, starting a conversation around a mutual hobby lowers the pressure and creates a natural bond.

Here are a few ideas to get started:

• Join a sports club or fitness class near your Student Experience residence
• Attend campus events, workshops or group outings
• Volunteer for a local initiative or charity
• Participate in a local Meetup related to your interests

These activities bring people together and make it easier to read social cues, observe group dynamics, and enter new social spaces with confidence.

Work on your social skills — but stay authentic

Being social doesn’t mean being loud or extroverted. It means being present, approachable, and curious about others. Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to engage in honest conversation are what build long-lasting platonic relationships.

Tips to strengthen your conversation skills:

• Ask open-ended questions that invite people to share
• Practise active listening to show genuine interest
• Use positive body language like eye contact and open posture
• Avoid overthinking your first impression — be yourself, and stay curious

Remember, good friendships are built on trust, not performance.

Understand that everyone feels awkward at first

Feeling nervous about talking to new people is common — especially in a new school environment or when adapting to a new culture. If you’re dealing with social anxiety, start small. A simple smile in the hallway, a “hi” in the elevator, or asking someone if they’d like to grab a coffee can open the door to new connections.

If that feels like too much, start with online communities. Many students connect first through group chats, WhatsApp groups or Discord servers before meeting in person.

Tip: At Student Experience, many new friendships begin through shared events and common spaces — like the lounge, rooftop, or gym. Don’t hesitate to join in.

Be open, but don’t rush the process

Making new friends takes time. It often begins with casual chats, evolves into shared routines, and eventually becomes part of your support system. You don’t need dozens of friends — a few genuine connections go a long way.

Here’s what helps:

• Show empathy and be willing to be a little vulnerable
• Look for common values instead of surface similarities
• Keep showing up — friendship often grows through consistency
• Accept that not every conversation has to lead to a friendship

Building trust happens over time. Give yourself and others the space to let it happen naturally.

Strengthen your connections over time

Once you’ve started forming bonds, the real challenge is friendship maintenance. Staying in touch, following up after events, and being present during both fun and difficult times is what makes friendships last.

Practical ways to nurture your friendships:

• Send a message after a shared event to say you enjoyed it
• Invite someone for a study session or walk
• Remember details people share and follow up on them
• Be there when it matters — not just when it’s convenient

Long-term friendships are built on mutual effort, respect, and shared experiences.

Where friendships flourish: your living environment matters

A welcoming and social home environment can make a big difference in how easily you build connections. At Student Experience, everything is designed to support community-building — from social areas and events to shared facilities and open spaces that encourage connection.

Whether it’s chatting over coffee in the lounge, joining a fitness class, or running into someone in the laundry room, you’ll find dozens of natural ways to meet people and form real connections.

Ready to create your own support network?

Explore our student housing in Madrid or in Granada and discover where community and comfort come together.

Making friends as a student doesn’t happen all at once — it’s something you build over time. Be open, stay consistent, and trust that meaningful connections will follow. Sometimes, all it takes is one conversation to start something that lasts for years.