Starting a conversation means finding the right words to begin talking to someone new. It’s often called an “icebreaker” because it helps break the silence and makes the first meeting less awkward.
When you move abroad and start college, one of the biggest challenges you face is making friends. You might be surrounded by classmates and have plenty of opportunities to connect but the real struggle is knowing how to start a conversation. Sometimes, even when we do start, we end up asking questions that make the other person feel awkward. Personal or outdated questions can feel unnecessary, even intrusive and may make someone uncomfortable sharing about their life. Over time, such questions can cause people to become guarded or less willing to open up. That’s why the way you start a conversation really matters. A good opener can make the other person feel respected and at ease and it can turn strangers into close friends. Even one small, thoughtful question can open the door to a meaningful friendship.
So in this article, we’ll share 8 Best Questions to Start a Conversation Abroad” 
8 best questions to start a conversation
1. “Do you live on campus? / Which hall are you in?”
These questions don’t feel too personal and are especially helpful in your first few weeks at university when everyone is still settling into their new homes. You might even discover that you’re in the same halls which give you plenty to talk about like dining halls, dorm life or even the walk to class. If the other person lives off campus, you can swap stories about commuting, favorite cafés nearby or hidden study spots. And if you’re struggling with flatmates or roommates, who knows? This simple question might lead to finding someone who understands you, shares advice or even helps you to solve the problem together. That’s how small conversations can grow into trust and real friendship.
And here’s the interesting part: Where you live actually shapes your whole student life. Study shows that msj.edu Students who live on campus usually make friends faster, join more activities and feel more connected to university life. So by asking this, you’re opening a door to talk about shared experiences and maybe even discover a new neighbor.
2. “Have you joined any clubs or societies yet?”
This question is a great way to learn about someone’s hobbies and interests. If they’re already part of a club or society that sounds fun to you then you could join too and instantly have a friend to team up with so that way, you won’t feel nervous about going alone because you’ll already have someone by your side. Together, you can form a small group and naturally connect with even more people.
And if they haven’t joined any clubs yet, but are also interested like you then you can both join together. This makes the whole experience much less intimidating and way more exciting. Plus, being part of a club helps reduce loneliness, teaches you new skills outside the classroom and your connection with other students will increase which can improve your college experience.
3. Have you experienced any difficulties here so far?
Studying abroad is not always easy as there can be culture shock, homesickness or even language challenges so this can be a great way to share how they’re feeling, no matter whether the answer is positive or negative, they will probably really appreciate being asked as it makes them feel cared for and understood.
At the start of term especially, emotions can run high. You’re far from home, trying to adjust to a new culture and learning to be independent so checking in with others during this time isn’t just kind but it’s one of the best ways to build real connections. For example, maybe when you first moved abroad, you felt so isolated that you lost interest in eating, going out or enjoying your new life. Talking about experiences like these with someone who’s been through the same thing makes it easier to laugh about them later and not let those struggles weigh you down. And according to the Research ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, emotional support from peers reduces stress and improves mental health among students.
4. “What are you up to this weekened?”
This is a casual, light question that shows you’re interested in their free time without being too personal. Weekends are usually when students relax, hang out or explore the city. Asking about weekend plans can naturally lead to making your own plans together so it’s an easy way to connect.
For example, if they’re planning to try a new cafe or visit a new place this weekend so you could be invited to join or you could suggest going together. And if they don’t have any plans and are free then you can make plans to hang out which might even lead to exchanging numbers or Instagram accounts. Once you connect on social media, your friendship can grow even more because in today’s digital world, social platforms are powerful tools for getting to know each other. You can keep up with one another’s lives, discuss upcoming events or simply check in when you’re both free to meet up. This way, your friendship develops naturally without feeling forced or awkward and it also helps reduce loneliness. Research shows that students who spend time socializing outside of class feel less stressed and adjust faster to university life (apa.org).
5. “What course are you doing?”
It’s not necessary to only talk to your classmates or make friends just within your own degree. You can start conversations with students in other settings too like in your accommodation, at freshers’ events or even in the library. Asking this question gives you a chance to connect with people from different courses even if their degree is completely different from yours, it’s still a great way to learn something new and find shared interests such as why they chose their course, how big their class sizes are or what their teachers are like. People usually enjoy sharing their knowledge, so this question often leads to longer and more engaging conversations. Who knows, your new friend might even know helpful seniors, study tips or resources that could benefit you in your own course!
6. “What do you like to do for fun?
This question gives you some insight into who they are and what they enjoy outside of university, especially in the early days of university when everyone is open to meeting new people. Once they start talking about what they like, you can share your own hobbies too. This naturally opens the door to more open-ended questions and deeper conversations which will help to break the ice and keep conversation going. For example, If you both have similar interests it can lead to fun activities together for example, exploring new coffee shops or attending events. This not only makes your college life more exciting but also helps reduce loneliness and builds stronger friendships.
However, if you are shy to start the conversation, you can practice the conversation starters at home like “What do you like to do for fun?” as by approaching your new surroundings with a friendly and open mindset, you will not only feel confident but also create meaningful connections that will last long even after your education is complete.
7. “Where do you usually study on campus?”
This is one of the easiest and most natural questions to ask at university because studying is the one thing you instantly have in common. It doesn’t feel too personal but still gives you plenty to talk about. Finding the perfect study environment can also make a big difference in how well you study, since a good environment boosts concentration, reduces stress and keeps you motivated. And if you find a study partner, it can make your study more enjoyable and helps you avoid burnout because when you get stuck you can solve problems together. Plus, if you get bored from studying, you can take a short break to chat or grab something to eat which can turn a study session into a fun and productive learning experience.
8. “Do you know any good spots to hang out near campus?”
Asking about hangout spots is a fun and natural way to start building the connections. Most students love to share their favorite cafés, food places, parks or hidden spots they’ve discovered. Asking this not only helps you find cool hangout places but also gives you a chance to bond over shared experiences.
If they mention a place you haven’t been to, you could suggest going together sometime which will make it easier to plan casual meet-ups without things feeling awkward or forced. Exploring new spots with a friend will also make your campus life more exciting and give you refreshing breaks from your study routine. Moreover, if you’re a new international student, this is even more helpful because visiting different places allows you to meet new people, improve your language skills and learn about the local culture. This way, you’ll be able to settle abroad much faster.
International education can be overwhelming due to cultural differences, language barriers and being far away from family and friends as a result, some students isolate themselves but this is where friendships make a real difference as friends can help you to fight homesickness, provide emotional support and distract you through activities and joining students clubs which makes your college experience more fulfilling.
That’s why conversation starters are so important because if you ask someone a question that makes them feel awkward or irritated, it can spoil the interaction. It’s important to understand how to start a conversation the right way. Instead of asking overused questions like “Where are you from?”, it’s better to ask questions that naturally lead to friendship without feeling forced. Remember, starting a conversation doesn’t have to feel scary or complicated. With just a few simple and friendly questions, you can break the ice, avoid awkward silences, and slowly turn strangers into friends.
If you want to go beyond conversation starters and actually learn how to build strong friendships step by step, read our guide: “How Can International Students Make Meaningful Friendships Without the Awkwardness?”