How to make friends at university is a question everyone in higher education has asked themselves at one point or another. So if you’re at this stage don’t worry! University is a fabulous place for meeting new people and making friends with people you never would have come across in your life at home!
Why It’s Important to Make Friends at University
University is just as much about the social side as it is the academic side which is why it’s so important to make friends. If you’re already at uni and are struggling, try not to worry – hopefully, these tips will help you find your tribe! With people to hang out with and explore your new home with, you’ll be able to take on so many new opportunities that you might not have been able to do alone. Let’s get into the tips for making friends at uni!
How to Make Friends Before You Get to Uni
Making friends before you actually get to uni can make the whole process of going a little less daunting. There are a few ways to make friends at university before you even get there.
- Join Facebook groups for your university
- Find group chats for your course, halls, or just your year to join
In the UK, one of the main ways to make friends before reaching university is to join online groups, for the most part these are on Facebook. When I started Cardiff University there was a large Facebook group that anyone in the year could join. People post what course they’re doing, what halls they’re in, and then create group chats off this main group for people that have things in common. This is a really great way to get in contact with people from your university before even getting there!
A difference between UK and US universities is that US unis don’t really use Facebook to the same level as us in the UK. For this reason, if you’re going to uni in the States you may need to use Instagram to find fellow students.
Making Friends in Uni Halls
The first place you’re going to interact with other students at university is in halls. After all, these are the people you’ll be living with for the next year. Making friends in halls doesn’t just mean with your flat, but with people in other flats too! Different universities have different layouts and facilities, but for the most part, these tips will help you make friends!
- Keep your door open – when you first arrive this will ensure you’re putting out the message that you want to chat to your new neighbours!
- Hang out in communal areas – both in your flat and in your wider halls of residence
- Invite other flats over to yours for pres – freshers week normally involves going out, so why not host pres for another flat too?
Ensuring you make the effort to look like you’re open to making friends in halls is the first step! There are so many ways to do this. You can even bond with your flat by going on your first supermarket shopping trip together! Another tip I have is finding people who live in the same residence as you to walk to lectures with – this is how I made my friends in English Literature and we’re all still friends to this day!
Making Friends on Your Course
Making friends on your university course can be a little daunting but I’ve got some hints on how to do just that!
- Go to freshers events in your faculty
- Sit next to people in lectures
- Form a study group
- Ask people to lunch/drinks after lectures or seminars
When making friends at university on your course the most important thing is to put yourself out there. Ask to sit next to someone and introduce yourself, go to the events your school throws in freshers week, and definitely ask people for coffee or lunch after your lectures!
Meeting People Outside Your Course
University is about so much more than just your course and halls, which means there is a whole world of potential friends that study different things to you but at the same uni!
- Join a university society – from Taylor Swift, to Disney, to baking – there’s so many societies to join
- Join a sports club – one of the best ways to make friends at university is to do so by joining a sporting club and becoming part of a team
- Take part in volunteering – every university has volunteering opportunities, whether they’re at the uni or at local charities, there’s something for everyone!
There are so many reasons to join a university society, but making new friends is one of the major perks, just like with sports clubs. After your first year, becoming a member of a society committee could also help to open up your world to new friendships.
Tips for Making Friends at Uni
As you can see, there are lots of opportunities for making friends at university – but how do you actually become friends with people in these situations?
- Say YES to everything – saying yes to new experiences is the best way to bond with your fellow students.
- Be open – university throws together people from all walks of life, so make sure you don’t judge people by your ‘home’ standards before actually getting to know them.
- Remember you’re not alone – when you’re new to uni everyone is in the same boat so try not to panic too much!
About Katie May
I am a digital marketer who enjoys blogging in my free time. Here on my blog you’ll find university content including: How to Choose Where to Study Abroad and What it’s Really Like Being a Joint Honours Student. As well as beauty content including: Is Glossier Worth It? In addition to other fun things such as my Strawberry Tart Recipe!