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Making Friends Fast: A Guide to Building Connections at Summer Camp

For many students, one of the biggest worries about going to a summer school or camp isn’t so much about the academics—it’s wondering, “Will I make friends?” Thankfully, the best summer schools are designed with this in mind. They know that meaningful connections are just as important as learning. From day one, the environment is set up to help students bond, collaborate, and build friendships that can last long after the final day. And while the camp facilitates this, students themselves play a big role in making those connections happen.

Friendship Starts with the Right Environment

Top summer schools and camps are intentional about creating a welcoming community. Orientation activities, buddy systems, and small group structures help everyone feel included right from the start. These built-in supports ensure that students aren’t left wondering how to meet people—they’re actively brought together in fun, engaging ways.

Oxford Summer Courses creates the perfect environment where friendships flourish alongside learning. From the moment students arrive, the supportive atmosphere—shaped by inspiring tutors and dedicated house parents—makes it easy for young learners to form connections. Whether diving into hands-on science activities, sharing meals, or joining evening adventures, students naturally bond through shared experiences. The balance of engaging lessons and a fun, inclusive social programme encourages confidence, collaboration, and lasting friendships. This is more than just a summer course—it’s a community that supports academic growth and meaningful relationships.

What students say: I had what was probably the best week of my life at the Winchester Juniors Oxford Summer Course. All the students were kind and welcoming, and I easily made friends who I am still in contact with. The house parents and staff were all really caring and friendly from the moment I met them. I definitely recommend this camp to anyone who wishes to have a wider global mindset, meet a supportive community of fellow students and staff, and to have enriching academic and social experiences. (Oxford Summer Courses)

Action Points for the Learner

  • Sit with someone new at meals each day to widen your circle.
  • Take part in reflection sessions or group discussions to connect over shared experiences.
  • Join or suggest a casual activity—like a walk, card game, or sports match.
  • Compliment someone’s work, idea, or effort—it naturally starts conversations.
  • Swap contact details early (social media, messages) to keep connections going beyond the day.
Structured Social Time Makes All the Difference

Great camps understand that connection flourishes when social time is structured, especially in the early stages. Whether it’s icebreaker games, welcome dinners, or team challenges, these activities make it easy to start conversations in a natural way. This creates a foundation of familiarity before academic classes or electives even begin.

Oxford Royale Academy is designed not just for learning but for building friendships through structured social time woven into every part of the experience. Whether it’s debating at the Oxford Union, punting on the river, or group excursions to London, the programme creates constant opportunities for students to connect in meaningful ways. Every evening offers organized social events—from cultural nights to talent shows—designed to help students relax, bond, and form friendships quickly. With participants from over 150 countries, shared meals, collaborative workshops, and guided group activities ensure no one feels left out. The result is a vibrant, supportive community where friendships form fast and often last long beyond the summer.

What students say: When I first got to ORA I was really scared, but then it really succeeded in changing how I felt about it. I met amazing new friends that I’m still in contact with until now.  It was truly an amazing experience that I would love to relive. The staff and counselors really made a difference at ORA due to their kindness and positive personality, and I came home feeling achieved. There were so many different people with different backgrounds, and it was so much fun getting to know different cultures and also finding some people with the same culture as mine! I would definitely recommend ORA to anyone who wants to figure out what they want to do in the future or start a new page by meeting different people. (Oxford Royale Academy)

Action Points for the Learner

  • Join all icebreakers and welcome events.
  • Make a point of sitting next to someone you haven’t talked to yet
  • Go to trips and evening socials.
  • Start small conversations often.
  • Suggest group activities or hangouts.
Shared Interests Lead to Instant Friendships

Afternoon activities, electives, and sports are more than just ways to fill time—they’re the fastest routes to building connections. Whether you’re learning photography, practicing tennis, or coding a robot, working alongside others with the same interest instantly creates common ground and plenty to talk about.

At ISSOS Yale, the structure is designed to foster friendships through shared passions. Each student pairs an academic subject with an elective like tennis, photography, theatre, or coding—ensuring that afternoons are spent collaborating with peers who share their interests. Small class sizes, hands-on projects, and plenty of group activities create constant opportunities for conversation and teamwork. Add in evening events and campus adventures, and students quickly find themselves surrounded by new friends who inspire and support one another throughout the program.

What parents say: Summer school, new experience for our daughter and for us as parents too. She had a great time, improved her English language skills and gained so much self-confidence. The friends she met at ISSOS are friends for much longer than the 3 weeks at Yale.  Thank you ISSOS! (ISSOS at Yale)

Action Points for the Learner

  • Be active in your elective.
  • Ask classmates why they chose it.
  • Suggest practising together.
  • Go to every social event.
  • Share interests, stay curious.
Don’t Wait—Take the First Step

Even with lots of support, friendships still start with small acts of courage. A simple “Hi, where are you from?” or sitting with someone new at lunch can open the door to connection. Chances are, the person you approach is hoping someone will talk to them too. Taking that first step often leads to bigger conversations and real friendships.

At Oxbridge in Barcelona, the Cultura y Cocina Immersion course seamlessly blends classroom learning with real-world exploration, making it easy to form lasting friendships while immersing yourself in Spanish culture and cuisine. Students live together at the Liv Student Residence in the peaceful Sarrià neighbourhood, separate from the teaching spaces, which means daily opportunities to connect—whether over breakfast, walking to class, or joining afternoon workshops and city excursions. Cooking together, exploring markets, or tasting local dishes during class turns shared learning into shared memories. Taking the initiative to chat with someone on the way to a flamenco show or during an evening event could be the start of a great friendship.

What students say: It was the best summer ever. I made friends from all over the world, and exploring Barcelona together made it even more special. From cooking classes to wandering through the Gothic Quarter, we bonded over everything. I arrived nervous but left with friends I still talk to every week. (Oxbridge in Barcelona)

Action Points for the Learner

  • Start conversations on the morning walk to class.
  • Invite someone to grab lunch at a local café.
  • Pair up during cooking workshops.
  • Join optional afternoon tours or evening events.
  • Ask someone to explore a local market together.
Get Involved in Everything You Can

The fastest way to meet more people is to say yes to activities—whether it’s a sports game, a creative workshop, or an evening event. The more engaged you are, the more familiar faces become, and the faster you move from acquaintances to friends.

Wycombe Abbey Summer School with UKLC is the perfect example of how a packed, vibrant schedule makes making friends almost effortless. With a huge variety of structured activities—from academic workshops and electives like 21st Century Skills, to afternoon sports, creative projects, and evening events like quizzes, karaoke, and talent shows—there’s always something happening. Plus, premium excursions to London, Oxford, Cambridge, Windsor, and the West End mean students bond while exploring iconic UK landmarks together. Whether it’s during a house social, a team challenge, or sightseeing on a hop-on-hop-off bus tour, the sheer range of shared experiences gives everyone the chance to connect, laugh, and build friendships that last well beyond the summer.

Our daughter had the most wonderful time at Wycombe Abbey Summer School. The combination of excellent teaching, fun activities, and the chance to explore places like London and Oxford made it an unforgettable experience. She came home so much more confident, with friends from all over the world that she’s still in touch with. The variety of electives and evening events meant there was never a dull moment. We were really impressed by the level of care from the staff and how well-organised everything was. (Wycombe Abbey with UKLC)

Friendships That Last Beyond Camp

The connections made at summer camp often outlast the program itself. Many students stay in touch through group chats, video calls, and even reunite years later. These international friendships become part of your wider world—people to visit, learn from, and stay connected with long after camp ends.

 

 

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