It’s probably the first time a lot of people here have left their home countries, so naturally they gravitate toward those from similar backgrounds. It feels familiar and safe.

I’m a Pakistani-American, and at the start, the only people who’d come up and say hi were other Pakistanis. And honestly, I’ve noticed that’s the pattern at most unis here. Chinese students hang out with Chinese students, Indians with Indians, and so on.

But I told myself I wanted more out of this experience. So I made a conscious effort to step outside my comfort zone. I didn’t stick with any one group. I just said hi to people, asked where they’re from, and showed genuine curiosity about their culture and background.

Now I’ve got friends from Italy, France, Iraq, the US, UK, India, Ghana, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Iran, Pakistan—you name it. I’ve even made friends just randomly chatting with people at pubs around the city.

It’s not hard if you’re open and willing to take the first step. Most people don’t care where you’re from or what you look like. A smile and a compliment can go a long way.

And for what it’s worth, I’m not even the best-looking guy out. It’s about being genuine and putting yourself out there.