Moving to a new country is hard. Making friends there? Even harder.
Heena found this out fast when she landed in Boston.
“Back home in Nepal, people are so friendly—you say hi on the street, start chatting with strangers at cafes. In Boston? Not so much.”
Gif by runtheburbs on Giphy
Here’s how she navigated it.
The First Reality Check
“On my first walks around the park, I smiled and said hi to people. No one responded,” she laughs.
“At first I thought, maybe I’m doing it wrong? But then I realized—it’s not me. It’s just Boston.”
Compared to Nepal, Boston felt more reserved. People kept to themselves, headphones in, eyes straight ahead.
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How Heena Broke the Ice
Instead of trying random small talk, Heena focused on shared spaces and interests:
✅ Joining her university’s Nepali Student Association
✅ Getting involved in research labs and study groups
✅ Talking to classmates during group projects
“I didn’t meet a lot of Nepali students my first year because I was so focused on school. But later, joining clubs changed everything. It gave me a community.”
Tips for International Students in Reserved Cities
🌟 Be proactive. Start conversations—even if it feels awkward at first.
🌟 Find cultural or interest-based groups. (There’s probably one for Nepali students at your school!)
🌟 Remember: reserved ≠ rude. Most people are just busy or shy.
Heena’s Takeaway?
“It’s easy to feel isolated at first, but don’t give up. Building friendships here takes time—but when you find your people, it’s worth it.”