How to Make Friends at Uni: The Ultimate Guide
Finding new friends is a major part of your university experience. Post-pandemic, moving past the cycle of lockdowns (and probably isolating) this may be either exciting or daunting.
So to take the pressure off, we thought we’d let you know what to expect. Here's the ultimate guide on how to make friends at university and be a social butterfly long after freshers week.
Making friends: Top Tips
Before you arrive
Once you’ve confirmed your halls, make sure to join your associated halls Facebook group. You’ll be able to keep up to date with events and so on - but there are also lots of students there that are arriving at the same time. When it comes to moving in, you’ll recognise some familiar faces who you’ve already broken the ice with online (hopefully).
- Make sure you hang out in the communal areas of your student accommodation - it’s probably the easiest way for you to make a bunch of new friends!
Everyone is pretty much in the same boat: starting uni in a new city, living away from their family home for the first time. They’ll be just as eager to make new mates as you.
Think about things to do in and around the place you’re living. Say your communal area has a space where you can prepare delicious, hearty and healthy food. Take advantage of this and why not host a whole evening of lovely food for you and your soon-to-be besties.
Social success at societies
If you want to meet a specific bunch of people, you can find friends with the same interests by attending the relevant societies. We’re looking here at the kind of students who have a specific activity close to their heart: sporty football types, D&D types, crafty arty types, and so on.
Going to a society meetup forces you to explore a new environment, but gives you a comfortable talking point which will allow you to break the ice. They’re a great way to meet like minded people to add to your friendship group.
Be brave at a rave (or a night of light refreshment)
When you and a few pals go on adventures into the night, whether that be at the student union or out in town, have a conversation with someone new.
With even only a few friends supporting you, there’s nothing to worry about when you approach another person in a decent club or bar, or any other social event for that matter. And if you’re into the music or theme of the place then you have a conversation starter right away.
If you’re struggling to think of an opener, think of something simple. Maybe a basic observation about the place you’re in. If it doesn’t work out, you can just adjust your method for next time. Or who knows, maybe you’ll hit it off and make a brand new friend!
Rinse and repeat
Just like anything else, making friends gets easier with repetition. So, get out of your comfort zone and practice, practice, practice!
With this in mind perhaps you should read all the other four tips again, just so you remember them.
Best Friend, Best Accommodation
Your friends are going to be a great part of your time at university. Both the ones you have now, and the ones you’ll make later. If you’ve already made some great friends in our student accommodation, you can tell us how great they are or ask us any other questions any time.