Hi @ferdie22    I'm so glad to meet you online! I assume this topic is most likely to relate to the majority of people. When I first came to Australia for my Master degree, I could barely meet new people. Then I decided to engage in all aspect of activities and events not only on campus but also in wider community. Though regular volunteering, I gradually made a few friend who shared same hobbies with me. Working as sales and assistant in a school absolutely contributed to my social networking.  I guess you don't have to push yourself too hard to find a lifetime friend or some close friends straightaway. Connection requires such a lot of effort and time. Just jump in more general events.  Hope my advice works! Best wishes  ... View more

I'm relatable to your negative part. Lots of worrying will gradually turning into anxiety. I really glad to know you have already found a way to solve the problem. Things may have unexpectable changes as long as you will never stop trying. ... View more

Though I've been in Australia for two years, to be accurate, in Victoria, I couldn't make time for travelling to another state. Even the restriction eased, I had to be busy with my sales job. It is no point to think about it. Hope my friends who are planning to do some road trip could tell me a little bit more about their interesting journey along the way.   ... View more

It's been a hard year but it is incredible as well. Two weeks before the second round lockdown in Melbourne, I have enrolled myself in Taekwondo. I'm gonna double grading next week which is so great for me. Doing exercise absolutely contributes to my mental health. ... View more

What are some foods which help boost your mood?         I would say anything sweet, such as cheese cake, lemon tart, choc mousse. Do you have any simple recipes which are great for when time/motivation are running low?         No. I like eating without cooking by myself. Usually, I watch others making something on YouTube instead. Are there any new foods you'd like to try? Why not pick up something different next time you're at the supermarket!         I may gonna try some seafood I've never tasted before. ... View more

Thanks for sharing! I'm from overseas as well, so I could relate to most of things you've mentioned. To be honest, I'm very impressed with what you have achieved so far. You should be proud of yourself! Additionally, I totally agree with you that it is hard to make a deep connection with others, especially you are not sharing the same values and cultures. But don't forget everything takes time. Please don't put too much pressure on yourself since you haven't been here for a long time.  Best wishes ... View more

That's awesome!!! I have been practising randomly from the list. ... View more

Hi ExcellentBeing5,   I could see many mixed feelings from your words. It is hard to make friends or maintain a friendship, especially we are currently forced to keep physical distance due to the full lockdown (but we are still socially-connected, fingerscrossed). Not all of the people feel comfortable enough to communicate online, that is probably why you are not able to hear back from some of your friends. So don't feel bad about this. Likewise, your friend from your former class may concentrate too much on what he was talking so that he didn't even notice what happened surround him. In addition, I really like your ideas on both trying to make a friend with yourself as well as spending a bit more time to get to know your friends better. Be patient! Everything takes time. If you have any further questions,  please don't hesitate to follow up with us. Best wishes ... View more

People are told to be resilient when something occurs so they can pay attention and focus on what they are doing. As neither of us could easily say we are fine under this situation right now. It is alright to distract yourself from daily news or anything which may make you anxious by singing a song or dance randomly.  ... View more

Hi there! I lit up one soy wax candle I got the other day at a bargain shop while I was doing my yoga. It was soooo nice and literally made my day. ... View more