Making friends at KCL

I'm starting in September but I'm stressed out thinking about making friends ASAP or at least before Freshers' week.

I haven't had proper friends since Y10, feel so socially stunted - which would be fine if I wasn't the type who loves people, clubbing, and all that stuff I've never been able to enjoy.

I missed out on accommodation because KCL was my insurance, and I've always wanted to live with students but I'll have to stay with my parents. Is this okay? I'm worried about everyone forming tight friendship circles and being left out (again). The student-run groupchats are also a dead-end as they've been reset and nobody's thought to send out new links.

I'm just really scared, chronically lonely and at a loss for what to do. I want at least to have a little group to go to freshers with. Or some comforting words and anecdotes. Something to soothe the 2:30AM panic.

Reply 1

EpicLol333

6

Original post by Anonymous

I'm starting in September but I'm stressed out thinking about making friends ASAP or at least before Freshers' week.

I haven't had proper friends since Y10, feel so socially stunted - which would be fine if I wasn't the type who loves people, clubbing, and all that stuff I've never been able to enjoy.

I missed out on accommodation because KCL was my insurance, and I've always wanted to live with students but I'll have to stay with my parents. Is this okay? I'm worried about everyone forming tight friendship circles and being left out (again). The student-run groupchats are also a dead-end as they've been reset and nobody's thought to send out new links.

I'm just really scared, chronically lonely and at a loss for what to do. I want at least to have a little group to go to freshers with. Or some comforting words and anecdotes. Something to soothe the 2:30AM panic.

Hiii I'm joining KCL this year tooo and I'm scared as well, just remember that everyone is scared about making friends, so just go up to people and I'm sure they'd be happy to talk to you. Maybe I'll even see you there :smile:

Reply 2

Anonymous #2

Original post by Anonymous

I'm starting in September but I'm stressed out thinking about making friends ASAP or at least before Freshers' week.

I haven't had proper friends since Y10, feel so socially stunted - which would be fine if I wasn't the type who loves people, clubbing, and all that stuff I've never been able to enjoy.

I missed out on accommodation because KCL was my insurance, and I've always wanted to live with students but I'll have to stay with my parents. Is this okay? I'm worried about everyone forming tight friendship circles and being left out (again). The student-run groupchats are also a dead-end as they've been reset and nobody's thought to send out new links.

I'm just really scared, chronically lonely and at a loss for what to do. I want at least to have a little group to go to freshers with. Or some comforting words and anecdotes. Something to soothe the 2:30AM panic.

Hi

I've just graduated from KCL. I completely understand your worries so let me offer some advice.
What course will you be doing? Some courses group cohorts together for first year so that might help with making friends.

-You'll definitely find people who don't go clubbing/drink etc, I would recommend just chatting to people in lecture halls- the usual where are you from, what alevels did you do, are you excited about the course etc are good icebreakers. You could always ask to tag along to classes or ask if they would like to go explore the campus.
-KCL offer events for those who don't drink that typically run in the afternoon and there are events that run throughout the year that you can buy tickets for.
-Your personal tutor will also have several other tutees and will most likely invite the whole group for your first meeting so you can chat with them too.
-If you have any hobbies or feel like finding a new interest then join a couple of societies to find people with similar interests.

I lived in halls during my first year, and while I quickly became friends with my flatmates I found myself closer to those on my course. When I lived at home (during lockdown) I made a few friends by attending on campus sessions and staying on campus a bit later to chat/catch up with people (of course, when covid restrictions allowed for this).

You'll meet a few people in first year but you might not speak to them when it comes to your final year and that's completely fine, just enjoy freshers week by doing what you're comfortable with.

Reply 3

Anonymous #1

OP

Original post by Anonymous

Hi

I've just graduated from KCL. I completely understand your worries so let me offer some advice.
What course will you be doing? Some courses group cohorts together for first year so that might help with making friends.

-You'll definitely find people who don't go clubbing/drink etc, I would recommend just chatting to people in lecture halls- the usual where are you from, what alevels did you do, are you excited about the course etc are good icebreakers. You could always ask to tag along to classes or ask if they would like to go explore the campus.
-KCL offer events for those who don't drink that typically run in the afternoon and there are events that run throughout the year that you can buy tickets for.
-Your personal tutor will also have several other tutees and will most likely invite the whole group for your first meeting so you can chat with them too.
-If you have any hobbies or feel like finding a new interest then join a couple of societies to find people with similar interests.

I lived in halls during my first year, and while I quickly became friends with my flatmates I found myself closer to those on my course. When I lived at home (during lockdown) I made a few friends by attending on campus sessions and staying on campus a bit later to chat/catch up with people (of course, when covid restrictions allowed for this).

You'll meet a few people in first year but you might not speak to them when it comes to your final year and that's completely fine, just enjoy freshers week by doing what you're comfortable with.

Hi, thanks for your advice. Unfortunately I worded my post wrong - I love drinking and clubbing, I just don't ever get the opportunity to do it. Still, thanks for reassuring me about making friends while living at home.

I'd rather not mention my course exactly, but it's politics related.

By the way, how many societies is it okay to join?

Reply 4

Anonymous #2

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, thanks for your advice. Unfortunately I worded my post wrong - I love drinking and clubbing, I just don't ever get the opportunity to do it. Still, thanks for reassuring me about making friends while living at home.

I'd rather not mention my course exactly, but it's politics related.

By the way, how many societies is it okay to join?

Ah sorry, I misread your post. If you want to go clubbing I'd suggest getting a freshers wristband, they sell out quickly though. I'm not too familiar with the politics department but there's a lot to do on Strand.
You can join as many societies as you like. You'll have to pay the membership fee but most people stop attending if they don't like it- which I don't recommend since it seems like a waste of money but of course, this is your choice. You could attend the societies fair and see what you like.

Reply 5

ran-dumb

21

Original post by Anonymous

Hi, thanks for your advice. Unfortunately I worded my post wrong - I love drinking and clubbing, I just don't ever get the opportunity to do it. Still, thanks for reassuring me about making friends while living at home.

I'd rather not mention my course exactly, but it's politics related.

By the way, how many societies is it okay to join?

I don't know KCL specifically but some people say you should join as many societies as you want and see which ones you like more. That way you have more to choose from and meet more people. Living with your parents doesn't stop you drinking or clubbing, you'll just have to find people from your course or societies to go out with instead of flatmates. You could try to see if there's anything you can do to move in though, some insurance students get lucky and get a room, or you could check the accommodation replacement forums to snag anything they have there.

Reply 6

Nikki3001

3

Original post by Anonymous

I'm starting in September but I'm stressed out thinking about making friends ASAP or at least before Freshers' week.

I haven't had proper friends since Y10, feel so socially stunted - which would be fine if I wasn't the type who loves people, clubbing, and all that stuff I've never been able to enjoy.

I missed out on accommodation because KCL was my insurance, and I've always wanted to live with students but I'll have to stay with my parents. Is this okay? I'm worried about everyone forming tight friendship circles and being left out (again). The student-run groupchats are also a dead-end as they've been reset and nobody's thought to send out new links.

I'm just really scared, chronically lonely and at a loss for what to do. I want at least to have a little group to go to freshers with. Or some comforting words and anecdotes. Something to soothe the 2:30AM panic.

Hi there, I’m slightly in the same boat as you. I’m going to KCL for history this year & I’ve been a nervous wreck because I’m so worried about living in London & if I actually want to go this year or not . If it makes you feel any better, you aren’t alone in being nervous at all.( I have also had friendship issues with being left out so I know exactly how you feel )
if you want to talk about it feel free to private message me :smile:

I can try to add you to some WhatsApp groups too if that’s helpful ?

Reply 7

Harris Yang

6

Hey there I’m a 2nd year female medic at KCL, I wanted to create a group of female individuals who like to socialise and study together. Let me know if anyone is interested. I’ve also been finding it hard to meet a lot of people from my own cultural background who are on the same wavelength as me (I’m Indian).

Making friends at KCL

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