Making friends at uni can seem daunting, but remember other students may be in the same situation as you, so you are all on this journey together.
Here are six top tips to help you form friendships.
- Join social media groups
Chatting online can sometimes be easier than in person. Joining our undergraduate applicant group is a great way to meet other students and, it means you may recognise a few familiar faces when you start on campus. From the applicant group, you can join or start a WhatsApp or Facebook group to chat with other students from your course, halls or who have similar interests.
- Be friendly and approachable
It can be intimidating to introduce yourself to new people, but a friendly smile can help breakdown those barriers and gives the impression that you are open to conversation.
- Get to know your house mates
If you’re moving in university accommodation, you spend a lot of time with your new house mates. Keep your door open when you move in to encourage others to pop in and say hello.
- Join a club or society
The great thing about joining a club or society is that you already have something in common with others in the group. So, whether you’re interested in knitting or e-sports, joining a society is the perfect place to meet like-minded individuals.
- Sit together
Sitting next to your course mates can be an ideal tester to find out whether you can form a friendship before the lecture starts. Don’t be afraid to sit next to someone and ask them about themselves or talk about work deadlines.
- Stay on campus to study
Studying on campus means you have more interaction with other students than studying at home. Familiar faces in the library or school can turn into flourishing friendships by studying together or grabbing a much-needed coffee break.
