Students who aren't going to be living in halls

I was a home student at Aston, it was fine. You're a 5-10 minute walk away from the main bus route through the city centre, and a 10 minute walk away from three major train stations, so the commute is never going to be a big problem in Birmingham.

You'll have to make a bit of an effort early on. The great thing about halls is that you effectively get handed a half dozen ready made friends who are all in the same situation.

Join the home students society and go on the first few mixers/events they throw (they'll probably contact you before the beginning of term, but if not, the guild website will have contact details).

Talk to the people you end up stood/sat next to during enrolment and during your first few weeks of lectures. There's a lot of queuing in the first week - don't do it in silence. Don't be the guy/girl who sits on their own in the front row. In fact, just don't be the guy/girl who sits in the front row, period (nothing good ever happens in the front row).

Join a sports club (if only to hold off the fresher fifteen) or one of the non sports societies, go on the socials they hold, especially early on in the year.

Basically, just cast your net widely and people will start to stick to you. Freshers do tend to socialise in their hall groups, particularly in the 1st Semester, but there are plenty of other ways to get drunk in good company.

Missy, I'm exactly the same as you! Put Aston as my firm choice to study psychology. I live in Kenilworth, so I'll drive to Warwick and get the train in to Moor Street. This is if I get the grades, mind...

I was a home student at Aston, it was fine. You're a 5-10 minute walk away from the main bus route through the city centre, and a 10 minute walk away from three major train stations, so the commute is never going to be a big problem in Birmingham.

You'll have to make a bit of an effort early on. The great thing about halls is that you effectively get handed a half dozen ready made friends who are all in the same situation.

Join the home students society and go on the first few mixers/events they throw (they'll probably contact you before the beginning of term, but if not, the guild website will have contact details).

Talk to the people you end up stood/sat next to during enrolment and during your first few weeks of lectures. There's a lot of queuing in the first week - don't do it in silence. Don't be the guy/girl who sits on their own in the front row. In fact, just don't be the guy/girl who sits in the front row, period (nothing good ever happens in the front row).

Join a sports club (if only to hold off the fresher fifteen) or one of the non sports societies, go on the socials they hold, especially early on in the year.

Basically, just cast your net widely and people will start to stick to you. Freshers do tend to socialise in their hall groups, particularly in the 1st Semester, but there are plenty of other ways to get drunk in good company.

Which is what the Home students society is there for. You wont be the only person in that situation.

I'm not quite sure what these hall parties you speak of are; most people will have a few drinks in their halls whilst they get ready, but then they go out.

Thanks that helped

I dont drink and clubbing really isnt my thing. Do you think I'll be disadvantaged at making friends and getting to know people?

Of course I know that not everyone does go clubbing and drinks.

I'll defo join lots of societies

Same about the clubbing and drinks! I was starting to feel as though I was the only one!

And adman, I wouldn't worry too much. From what people have said here and in other threads, there are loads of things to be doing without worrying about those.

Im sure a lot of spontaneous and random parties take place only in halls.

Thanks that helped

I dont drink and clubbing really isnt my thing. Do you think I'll be disadvantaged at making friends and getting to know people?

Not at all. If anything you'll be at an advantage because you'll spend less time tired, hungover and cranky.