Social Life

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 1

Anonymous #1

Original post by atattstatstatat

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

Oh boy...

You will fit in fine. I live near the university there, and the uni students tend to be very friendly and welcoming.

Unless you broadcast your age to everyone on campus, no-one would even care or know about your age. No one would walk straight up to someone and discriminate people's age before telling them whether they will talk or make friends with them. I am not sure how you socialise with people where you're from, but that's not how people generally make friends at any age.

If you are looking for people in the younger age group, I would try to spend as much time going to the social events on the uni campus. Outside of campus and you aren't likely going to find many places with people at such age unless you go to places of work with staff of such age group.

Original post by atattstatstatat

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

Hiya

I would absolutely not worry if I were in your position. For one, you're not old at just 22 years. Even many finalists at uni are that age, plus I've seen loads of people who are even older and it's completely fine. My best friend is 27 and despite the age gap, we got along pretty quickly and now understand each other really well. As long as you attend social events (although I'm not sure how you could do that if you not an Exeter student) and put in efforts to socialise, it'll be all good!

-Himieka

Reply 3

University of Sunderland Student Ambassador

Official Rep

11

Original post by Anonymous

Oh boy...

You will fit in fine. I live near the university there, and the uni students tend to be very friendly and welcoming.

Unless you broadcast your age to everyone on campus, no-one would even care or know about your age. No one would walk straight up to someone and discriminate people's age before telling them whether they will talk or make friends with them. I am not sure how you socialise with people where you're from, but that's not how people generally make friends at any age.

If you are looking for people in the younger age group, I would try to spend as much time going to the social events on the uni campus. Outside of campus and you aren't likely going to find many places with people at such age unless you go to places of work with staff of such age group.

Hello,

It's fantastic to hear you'll be starting your placement year in Colchester, close to the University of Essex! Moving to a new place may be both exhilarating and intimidating, especially if you don't know anyone there. However, I can guarantee you that making friends at university should not be difficult.

The University is a vibrant and varied community with countless chances for students to connect with one another. Academic activities, student organisations, social events, and campus facilities will all provide opportunities for you to meet new people.

Making friends is not hampered by age. At 22 years old, you'll find that many university students are your age, and you'll be able to relate to their experiences and interests. I am friends with a 35-year-old classmate. Furthermore, colleges are known for their inclusive and friendly settings, where people from all walks of life join together to develop friendships.

I advise participating in clubs and extracurricular activities that are related to your interests in order to increase your chances of making friends. This will give a common platform for you to connect with others who share your interests. Furthermore, attending university-organized orientation activities and social gatherings might be a great way to meet new people.

Please do not hesitate to contact the university's student assistance services as well. They frequently provide tools and counselling to students who are relocating, such as tips on establishing friends and getting active in school life.

It takes time to make friends, so be patient and open to new experiences. At the University of Essex, you'll quickly find yourself surrounded by a helpful network of friends.

I wish you the best of luck with your placement year and your time at university!

I hope this is helpful.
Kind regards,
Mrunali Kalbhor,
University of Sunderland Student ambassador

Reply 4

University of Sunderland Student Ambassador

Official Rep

11

Original post by atattstatstatat

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

Hi there,

I for one don't think you are ever too old! You will definitely be able to make friends and find people who are like minded and similar to you, there may even be other people there for their placement year that you don't know about yet.
I wouldn't worry, there will be plenty of students out and about, enjoy and have fun!

I hope this helps,
Ellen
Y3 Medical Student
Uni of Sunderland
Digital Ambassador

Hey there,
Anyone can go to university at any age. I am a mature student and am still not the oldest in my course. I am friends with everyone in my peer group and age does not come into my friendships.
Make sure you become involved in activities on Freshers week so you can meet others new to the university. It's amazing how quickly you meet and make new friends. Look at what the SU has to offer and see if there are any groups or clubs you may be interested in you can attend. On my campus students are very friendly and I have made friends with people on other courses to me.
Good luck and enjoy the university experience, Colchester is a lovely place with a good social life in the town and a fantastic zoo and castle to visit.

ARU Dee
Digital Student Ambassador

Original post by atattstatstatat

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

Hi,
Essex is a community for people from all nationalities and all ages😉
I think you are going to fine when making friends because majority of students also had move in order to study at Essex so everyone is in the same situation.
There is a lot of mature students in all courses even undergraduate.
There is a lot of events happening at the University of Essex during the academic year so fell free to join. We also have a night club so its a good way to make friends as well joining a society.
I hope this helps and let me know if you have any other questions😎
Cat (Essex Rep Team)

Reply 7

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post by atattstatstatat

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

hey @atattstatstatat

Making friends at university is a common concern, but rest assured that it's definitely possible, regardless of your age. At 22, you're not too old to make friends; in fact, many students at university are in their early twenties and beyond, so you'll likely find people of various ages and backgrounds.
Attend Campus Events, Explore the Area, try Social Media and Online Platforms, go to Orientation Events etc can help you find some new people of your age that are also looking to meet new people and make friends.
But most of all, be approachable!

Hope this helps :smile:

Vyomika(LU Student Ambassador)

Original post by atattstatstatat

I’m a student based in Chelmsford. Next year I’m going to be living in Colchester for my placement year and I don’t know anyone there. I’m living near university of Essex, and I was wondering how easy is it to make friends at the uni ?

I’m also 22 years old, so I was wondering whether I’m too old or will I be able to make friends?

Hi @atattstatstatat,

You can definitely make friends when you're 22 years old! Age doesn't determine your ability to form new connections. In fact, many people continue to make friends and expand their social circles well into their adult years.

During your placement, you'll likely be interacting with fellow students, colleagues, and possibly people in your new community. Engaging in activities related to your placement, attending social events, and joining clubs or groups can all provide opportunities to meet like-minded individuals. Remember that many people are in similar situations, looking to build connections and make friends, so don't hesitate to be proactive and open to new experiences.

Wishing you all the best in your placement,
Ellie

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