Your go-to guide for Toronto student life.
How to Navigate Cliques: What To Do when Everyone Knows Each Other
Published November 2, 2026 by Anza Ashraf
1. Getting Comfortable with Small Talk
“How was your day”, “the weather feels nice” – these questions may seem trivial but can open opportunities towards knowing more about people’s interests and passions. Small talk helps hold conversations. Rather than trying to penetrate a whole group, building one to one relationships can be less overwhelming and more effective. People then naturally introduce their friends to others which can help in making more connections.
2. Leverage Academic Collaboration
If your program has studios or workshops, you could always initiate opportunities to work together on a project or group study sessions. This will not only help you through your coursework but also get the chance to know your peers more personally.
3. Seek out Social Opportunities
Make sure to attend any social events, after-class conversations, or other chances to connect with peers outside of class. Sometimes conversations in-class can tend to be centred just around coursework or academic stresses which can become redundant. Meeting outside of class will give you the possibility to talk about other interests, hobbies and activities. Trust, me, showing up matters!
4. Find Other Newcomers
You can form your own group as well. If you see other people that seem to be running into the same challenge as you, you can approach them and perhaps also bond over the struggles. This will not only give you support but also an opportunity to form your own group.
Still feel like you don’t quite fit in yet? You’re not alone – read one international student’s story of going from feeling like a stranger to feeling at home in Toronto.
5. Always Remember…
If you’ve consistently been excluded despite making friendly efforts, remember that one social group doesn’t define your university or college experience. Many students find their closest friends through electives, clubs, volunteer work, residence, campus jobs, or research opportunities rather than within their own program. Always put yourself out there and you’ll find your people with similar interests.
