Newbie 101: Making friends and sharing meals

Whether you’re sharing a bowl of pho, grabbing a banh mi, or just sipping coffee, eating together creates a relaxed space for conversation. Sharing a meal is one of the easiest and most natural ways to break the ice and start building your uni-crew.

While it’s totally normal to feel a bit nervous in a new environment, here is our little secret: your first meal on campus (or nearby) is more than just a quick bite. At RMIT, students from all around the world come together, and food often becomes the bridge that connects our different backgrounds. Let’s take a look at how our students’ first meals (and the ones after) have helped them connect, laugh, and create memories from day one.

Every good story starts with food

If you think about it, some of your best memories might be all about food: birthday cakes, family dinners, or those fun late-night snacks with friends. At university, food works its magic in a similar way, helping strangers become friends and friends become the second family.

“Thanks to that lunch, I met some wonderful new friends and developed close bonds with others in the club.” - Said Thao Linh, a member of RMIT Photography Club Hanoi.

At first, Thao Linh was hesitant to join the RMIT Photography Club Hanoi lunch due to her shyness, but a senior encouraged her to try, saying it was a great chance to meet new people, and that small nudge made all the difference. Some brought homemade dishes, others introduced Linh to Hanoi student favorites from a nearby spot. The laughter and chats helped her relax and join in. Now, daily group lunches with Photography Club are a fun ritual where Linh shares stories and gets support from her new friends.

The perfect icebreaker

Just like Thao Linh, I found my people over a quick lunch of chicken pho. For our very first team hangout, we decided to enjoy some delicious bowls of pho in the breakout room right after class to spend more time together. As we shared stories, we realized there was so much more to talk about. Inviting your teammates to join you for your first meal might feel a little scary, but it’s also the start of something new.

Moreover, at RMIT, students are encouraged to take the first step in reaching out and welcoming others, as small acts of openness can make a big difference in building a supportive campus community. This semester, Munch & Mingle offers a great opportunity to experience this. Held biweekly by the International Student Support and Buddy Teams, it’s a casual lunchtime event where international students from diverse backgrounds bring their lunch, share stories, and make friends. The relaxed atmosphere welcomes everyone, creating a strong sense of community. As international student Park Eunyoung said, “Munch & Mingle made meeting new friends fun, relaxed, and welcoming, helping me feel connected to RMIT.”

Keep the friendship going

Friendships don’t just happen overnight, they grow with time and shared experiences. Keep inviting your new friends to lunch, explore amazing food scenes together, or even cook meals together. These moments create bonds that last far beyond your university years.

Start with something simple like a casual coffee break or sharing a snack during a study session. Mention popular spots around campus or a new dish you’d love to try. At RMIT Saigon South, students often enjoy popular dishes like Korean glass noodles at Nine, Hunter Bowl from Lacatina, Butter Curry at Curry Hut, and fish and chips from Sorrento. For a quick treat during the day, you can ask your friends to go grab waffles together from Soya House to take away.

For Hanoi students, peach milk tea and beef stir fried noodles at 279 café is definitely our students' "starter pack" for lunch at school. You can also put these options for your next meetings: special banh mi at Huong Lan bakery, crab noodle soup (bun rieu) at 523 Kim Ma alley or some sweet treats at Mama's bakery.

Often, your teammates are just as eager to connect, and all it takes is for one person to make the next move.

Make lunch dates a habit

Sharing food regularly is a simple but powerful way to deepen your friendships. Try to turn casual lunch or coffee breaks into regular hangouts. Whether it’s grabbing a quick bite between classes or sitting down for a relaxed meal on campus, these moments give you a chance to catch up and share stories about your university life.

I usually ask my teammates before class, for around 3 days, if they want to have lunch together, which helps us plan our time more easily, and guess what? This works all the time. Don’t hesitate to be the one who suggests meeting up!

Share your favorite snacks

Vietnamese snacks like bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper), bim bim (Vietnamese crisps), or even simple fresh fruits are great for sharing during breaks or study sessions. I often bring snacks from home to share with my teammates or classmates—even just a small candy can help us grow closer through the habit of sharing food. Sometimes, I even invite my team to go snack shopping together during sales, which has become a fun experience I highly recommend. Bringing a small snack to class can be a great way to keep up the bond between team members.

Celebrate “special” occasions together

Completing big assignments or even the end of a tough week are perfect excuses to celebrate with food. After finishing group assignments at RMIT, my team often treats ourselves to a special meal together, sometimes a bunch of seasoned fried chicken, sometimes a big meal in a brunch restaurant, or sometimes just a small treat like banh mi and bubble tea. We sit down, enjoy the food, and see it as a well-deserved reward. These shared meals might seem simple, but trust me, they are the secret key to boosting team spirit and strengthening our bond. These celebrations create positive memories and reinforce your support network.

Your first meal at RMIT can spark something incredible: a friendship, a community, and a sense of belonging. Next time your stomach rumbles, see it as a call to connect. Grab a bite, say hello, and that simple meal might just change your university journey.

For more tips and upcoming events, check out the RMIT Student News & Events page or connect with your student support team. Your uni journey is just beginning, and there’s a whole table waiting for you.

Story: Nguyen Minh Chau, a Professional Communication student at RMIT Vietnam. This article does not reflect the views of RMIT Vietnam.

25 June 2025

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