Meeting people outside college?

Hey,
Just had my first term at Oxford and I'm feeling pretty limited to people inside college - it seems really hard to meet people in other colleges! What're the best ways to do this?
I mean, I know a good way must be uni societies, but then most of mine, e.g. rowing, are also in college! And on nights out we tend to go in groups, and just stick within them - it's not really a 'meet other people' thing. Ideas?!
Thanks,
Lucy

Reply 1

Huw Davies

Original post by lucycl

Crew date?

Reply 2

Mook

Original post by Huw Davies

Crew date?

Kind of depends on why she wants to 'meet' people :grin:

Crew dates are good for banter, and maybe actual relationships now and again, but I've yet to hear of people finding buddies for life.

Uni societies really do seem to be the main way to meet other people - branch out and do something different if you're really that bored of college. The only problem is that most of the ones which seem to form the closest friendships appear to be the most intense, like doing plays or getting involved with student journalism or politics. If you're already caught up in college activities then it might turn into quite a drain on your time, particularly if you're only interested in the making friends side and aren't actually that fussed about the society itself.

Reply 3

bysshe

Can't you meet friends of friends? Surely some of your friends in college will have friends at other colleges? You could mention that you're interested in meeting more people outside of college, and start going out in mixed groups, rather than always socialising with the same people. That seems like the obvious thing. There are also societies, but unless you're actually interested in what the society's about, it's probably a waste of time.

Anyway, it should happen naturally. You've only been in Oxford a term, so you've got loads of time to meet people!

Reply 4

The_Lonely_Goatherd

What about people on your course? Anyone you sit next to lectures regularly in or something?

It's probs just coz we're a sociable subject and a small one too but in my first year at least, lots of us Music students used to head across the road to the extortionate coffee shop and hang out. It was really nice and a great way of making friends with people at other colleges. Would you be able to do something similar, even if it's just with one or two people at first? :smile:

Reply 5

nexttime

Original post by lucycl

I mean, I know a good way must be uni societies, but then most of mine, e.g. rowing, are also in college!

Having rowed for 6 terms, i know it is hard to comprehend, but there are actually societies other than rowing in the university. Might i suggest pistol club, juggling soc or the caving society. (3 i don't go to but always intend to).

Reply 6

L13

You can meet people at lectures, in the university libraries, at the debate workshops organised by the Oxford Union, at academic gatherings like the seminars hosted by All Souls, at the socials organised by the History Society, through newspapers and journals, at sporting events, etc. etc. etc.

When I was applying, I did some research and it seems that the university offers many opportunities for students to pursue their interests and meet new people. University is not just about doing the required work and going out clubbing with your roommates.

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 7

*pitseleh*

Get involved in a society/sport outside of your college. I was quite lucky since my college shares sports facilities with Wadham, so I always knew lots of Wadhamites - but working for one of the papers has meant that I know someone in literally every college now. Do it now - first year's the best time to get into new things. :smile: