When Heena first moved to Boston, she thought making friends would be easy.
It wasn’t.
“I didn’t meet a single Nepali student my first two years,” she says. “I’d go to class, take notes, go home. That was my entire social life.”
Gif by hbomax on Giphy
Why It’s Hard at First
Coming from Nepal, where community is everywhere, Boston felt… different.
✅ People rushed between classes.
✅ Most were commuters balancing jobs.
✅ Random small talk? Rare.
“It wasn’t that people were mean,” Heena says. “They’re just busy—or reserved.”
How Things Changed
In her third year, Heena joined her university’s Nepali Student Association.
“It was a game-changer. Suddenly I was meeting people, helping organize events, and building a community I didn’t even know I needed.”
She also made non-Nepali friends through:
✅ Research labs
✅ Study groups
✅ Honors College discussions
Gif by IntoAction on Giphy
Hina’s Tips for Making Friends in the US
🌟 Find your people. Join cultural clubs, interest groups, or volunteering programs.
🌟 Be proactive. Don’t wait for others to talk—say hi first.
🌟 Embrace small connections. That lab partner? Could be your future bestie.
Her Takeaway?
“Making friends abroad takes effort, but it’s worth it. You just need to put yourself out there—one conversation at a time.”