How to Make Friends at University
Going to university can be daunting for everyone, it can be overwhelming to enter a new place with new people. But luckily for you, everyone is in the same boat. We all want to make friends and make the most out of our university experience.
You don’t have to be an extrovert to be able to make a ton of friends. You just have to be in the right places with the right attitude to meet the right people.
Here are a few guiding tips on meeting your new friends:
Join societies or a sports team
You will get to meet people with the same interest as you. Whether that’s singing in a gospel choir, fanatic about Disney movies or a good game of hockey – it’s a great opportunity to bond with people who have the same passion as you.
Most societies gather every week and have ‘social nights’, so attending these events would mean meeting like-minded people to you to befriend.
You can look at the list of societies to join here.
Here are the sports team you can join.
Leave your door open
Having your door open when you’re at your student accommodation increases the chances of a conversation starting between you and a flatmate. It’s a great way to be more welcoming and friendly to your flat/housemates.
University life will be a lot easier if you get along with the people you live with.
Spend time in communal areas
People are likely in communal areas because they want to be social. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation with someone, they’re probably waiting for you to initiate it.
It’s a good way of encountering a wide range of students to converse with.
Good communal areas:
- Kitchen/dining room
- Living room
- University café
- Social dining rooms (Canteen)
- The Lounge (Student Union)
- Library café
Social events
It’s a good idea to always keep updated with the upcoming student events around Canterbury. Enjoy the good atmosphere of student social events.
There’s quiz nights at the SU, Karaoke night at the Penny Theatre or student night at the local nightclubs.
Go clubbing/party
Everyone turns into a social butterfly after a few drinks, so this method is undoubtedly the easiest way to make new friends. (That’s if you remember them the next day).
Take advantage of everyone’s carefree spirit and talk to someone you wouldn’t usually approach sober.
Tip: Start a conversation by complimenting someone.
Commuters society
Never feel left out because you’re not living on campus. A lot of students choose to live at home and commute to save funds – but that shouldn’t compromise your social life. There’s a commuters society where you can meet people who are in the same situation.
They can give advice on being a commuting student, and they also host a ton of events, check their Facebook page out here.
Utilise social media
Find out if there’s a facebook page for your course so you can befriend your coursemates.
Keep on top of the Fresher’s ’17 facebook page to see if there’s any events happening or if anyone in your course is looking to speak to a fellow fresher.
Search for pages on Twitter for any societies or sports team you’re looking to join.
Don’t eat people’s food
This is the biggest crime you could commit to a fellow student. It’s also the biggest violation someone could do to you.
If you’re living in halls, always make sure you don’t ‘accidentally on purpose’ eat someone else’s food. It can start a war and end all social ties.
Be friendly and smile
No one wants to approach someone who looks like Miss Trunchbull when she sees a pair of pigtails.
Make yourself more approachable by smiling often and having good manners.
Little gestures like holding a door open for someone or greeting people with ‘good mornings’ can go a long way.
Be yourself and don’t try too hard
It’s the cliché advice you get from your parents: Just be yourself. But it’s true, drastic re-invention sounds great when you start university, but soon enough, your true character will always show.
Remember to stay true to yourself and your values regardless of your new surroundings. You can experience life as a university student without losing your true character to peer pressure.
True friends will accept you as the way you are. And if they don’t, then they aren’t true friends.
Enter university with confidence and an open mind.