Connect with new friends, build global networks and most importantly—have fun!
Each trimester the Griffith Mates host activities, networking events and day trips throughout Queensland for Griffith University's diverse student population. Our activities and events are hosted across our Gold Coast and Brisbane campuses for both domestic and international students. We celebrate the rich, diverse culture at Griffith University through interactive games, activities and experiences that allow students to make new friendships and create lasting memories.
Trimester 3, 2025
The Griffith Mates are delighted to invite all currently enrolled Griffith University, Griffith College and GELI students (domestic and international) to explore and register for our range of exciting events and activities on offer in Trimester 3.
International Student Buddy
The Buddy Program is designed to help ease the transition to uni life and provide a safe and comfortable environment for new international students to ask questions about Griffith, life in Australia, as well as practise English. It’s also a great way to make friends!
Program launch: Buddy Meet and Match Event
Weeks 1–3
Buddy group activities (held at a variety of on-campus and off-campus locations)
Week 4
Final buddy group activity and end of program celebration
Walk and Talk with Mates
Join the Mates for an on-campus nature walk and talk experience with Dr Wade Hadwen or Professor Catherine Pickering, Griffith's very own environmental experts, as they share their knowledge of the unique and fascinating flora and fauna we have on our naturally beautiful campuses.
Brisbane South (Nathan)
- Tuesday 28 October
- 10:30am to 11:30am
- Departs from N68 Eco Centre
Gold Coast
- Wednesday 29 October
- 10:30am to 11:30am
- Departs from Library Lawn and Shard
Aussie Afternoon
Join Griffith Mates and make new friends before you start your first week at university. Meet native Australian animals (reptiles), snack on Aussie treats, and put your English language skills to the test with an Aussie Trivia Challenge and games. It’s a great way to make friends, have fun, and dive into the local culture!
- Friday 31 October
- 1pm to 3pm
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
Registrations open 17 October
Study Abroad Meet and Greet
Study Abroad and Exchange students are invited to mix and mingle with Griffith Mates for a casual coffee chat. This is a great chance to meet your peers in short term programs and create a strong friendship network during your Griffith journey. A free hot beverage is included for registered attendees.
Week 1
- Monday 3 November
- 1:30pm to 2:30pm
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
This event is open to Study Abroad & Exchange students only.
Speed Friending with Mates
Just starting your Griffith journey and keen to meet new people? Join us for a fun casual networking session where you'll rotate through short, friendly chats and interactive networking activities with Griffith Mates and friends. No awkward small talk – just good vibes, new faces, and potential friends for life.
Week 1
- Wednesday 5 November
- 1pm to 3pm
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
Registrations open 27 October
Volunteer with Mates - Bush Care, Brisbane
Join Griffith Mates to participate in Bush Care activities at Mt Toohey Forest. Connect with the local community and make a difference, in collaboration with the local Mount Gravatt Environmental Group.
Week 1
- Saturday 8 November
- 7:30am to 11am
- Mt Toohey Forest, Mt Gravatt
Registrations open 27 October
Global Connections Networking Night
Join us for the Global Connections Networking Night, an exciting opportunity to connect with students from around the world, share experiences, and build lasting friendships!
Week 2
- Wednesday 12 November
- 6pm to 8pm
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
Registrations open 27 October
Conversation Circle
Join Griffith Mates to widen your friends network and practice English in a fun, casual atmosphere at our social conversation circle.
Week 2
- Friday 14 November
- 10:30am to 11:30am
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
Registrations open 27 October
Get Active with Mates
Get moving, enjoy the outdoors, and meet new friends with the Griffith Mates! Join us for an energising scenic walk along the Kangaroo Point River Walk or the beach esplanade pathway from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach. Participate in social games and fun activities suitable for all fitness levels.
Week 3
- Thursday 20 November
- 2pm to 4pm
- Brisbane, Kangaroo Point River Walk
- Gold Coast, Beach Esplanade from Surfers Paradise to Broadbeach
Registrations open 27 October
Volunteer with Mates - Coastal Care, Gold Coast
Join the Griffith Mates for a hands-on tree-planting activity at Federation Walk! Connect with fellow students, contribute to the environment, and have fun while making a positive impact.
Week 3
- Saturday 22 November
- 8am to 11am
- Main Beach, Gold Coast
Registrations open 27 October
Dreamworld with Mates
Join Griffith Mates and Griffith University friends for a fun day out at Dreamworld! Enjoy thrill rides, shows, see Aussie animals and tigers, have a splash at WhiteWater World and more!
Week 4
- Saturday 29 November
- 9:30am to 5pm
- $20 entry only ticket
- Dreamworld at Coomera, Gold Coast
Ticket registration and purchase
- Open: Monday 27 October
- Close: Sunday 23 November
Transport: Please arrange your own transport to and from Dreamworld. Cost of transport is not included in any ticket sales.
Terms and conditions:
- Discounted Griffith Mates ticket price includes single day entry only for one current Griffith Unviersity student only
- Griffith Mates tickets are not available for family, friends or members of the general public who are not currently studying at Griffith University
- Ticket date is not transferable from Saturday 29 November 2025 to any other date of visit
- No refunds available after ticket purchase for any reason including change of mind, no show, or late arrival on the day
- Your ticket can be transferred to another current Griffith student only on the condition that a written request to transfer the ticket to new student with their full details is sent via email to gistudentexperience@griffith.edu.au before 10am AEST on Friday 28 November.
International Night
Come and celebrate the diverse cultures we have at Griffith University. The Griffith Mates are excited to host an International Night at Gold Coast and Brisbane South (Nathan). A light dinner will be provided with plenty of activities and opportunities to connect with new friends!
Week 6
- Thursday 4 December
- 6:30pm to 8:30pm
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
Registrations open on 3 November
Gingerbread Craft and Movie Afternoon
Join Griffith Mates and friends for a gathering before we all take a break for the summer holidays! Share how you celebrate this time in your home country, participate in gingerbread decorating and watch a seasonal movie together. This is a fantastic opportunity to unwind, share some laughs, and make unforgettable memories as we celebrate the end of year together.
Week 6
- Wednesday 10 December
- 2pm to 5pm
- Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast
Registrations open on 10 November