making friends at uni when you live at home?
I'm a little worried about how I'm gonna make friends at uni (I start first year after the summer), especially since I'll be living at home. I really wanted to move out into student accommodation as it seems so fun and such an easy way to make friends!
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Not going to lie to you it will be harder to make friends if you live at home for the most part I’m not saying you won’t it’ll just be harder you’ll need to be very out going talking to everyone you can joining societies will help even budgeting for hotels on social nights (which happen every week sometimes) you might
It does of course depend on how far you are from uni and student halls if you're like 15 minute walk from uni or the town centre than things will be very different to if you're an hour away by train or something.
How long is your commute? it’ll be easier to answer if we know that.
If you don’t mind my asking why did you decide no to live in halls?
It does of course depend on how far you are from uni and student halls if you're like 15 minute walk from uni or the town centre than things will be very different to if you're an hour away by train or something.
How long is your commute? it’ll be easier to answer if we know that.
If you don’t mind my asking why did you decide no to live in halls?
You will have to work harder to make friends when living at home. Join severe clubs and societies and attend their meetings. Plan to say over on Friday and Saturday nights by booking into a travelodge or agreeing to kip on someone's floor in your sleeping bag. Take up one of the critical roles in your course - class rep, part of the social committee. That way you will have a reason to network and connect with others on your course.
Original post by jonathanemptage
Not going to lie to you it will be harder to make friends if you live at home for the most part I’m not saying you won’t it’ll just be harder you’ll need to be very out going talking to everyone you can joining societies will help even budgeting for hotels on social nights (which happen every week sometimes) you might
It does of course depend on how far you are from uni and student halls if you're like 15 minute walk from uni or the town centre than things will be very different to if you're an hour away by train or something.
How long is your commute? it’ll be easier to answer if we know that.
If you don’t mind my asking why did you decide no to live in halls?
It does of course depend on how far you are from uni and student halls if you're like 15 minute walk from uni or the town centre than things will be very different to if you're an hour away by train or something.
How long is your commute? it’ll be easier to answer if we know that.
If you don’t mind my asking why did you decide no to live in halls?
I'm like a 20 min walk then a 30 min bus ride. I do live in the the same city, but just in a different side. I'm not going to live in halls to save money as the commute really isn't too long from my house, and there has been a bit of an accommodation crisis at this uni. It's really hard to find somewhere to stay. International students have even been told not to come if they don't already have accommodation in place!
I'm living at home this year (it's my first year) and to be honest, it's not as hard as everyone says it is. Sure, you do need to make an effort to put yourself out there, talk to people at freshers events, on your course, join societies etc. But if you do this, it shouldn't be too difficult.
Original post by c.ya.space.c0w
I'm like a 20 min walk then a 30 min bus ride. I do live in the the same city, but just in a different side. I'm not going to live in halls to save money as the commute really isn't too long from my house, and there has been a bit of an accommodation crisis at this uni. It's really hard to find somewhere to stay. International students have even been told not to come if they don't already have accommodation in place!
Then you might be ok just don’t fall into the trap (that I’ve seen so many people fall into) of treating uni like school they go do their lectures and labs and stuff then go home and that’s all they do. In halls you don’t fall int that trap so much.
Original post by c.ya.space.c0w
I'm a little worried about how I'm gonna make friends at uni (I start first year after the summer), especially since I'll be living at home. I really wanted to move out into student accommodation as it seems so fun and such an easy way to make friends!
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Hey!
Don't worry! I totally get your concerns about making friends, especially when you're living at home during uni. But let me tell you, you're not alone in this. There are plenty of students who stay home during their university years, and it can still be a great experience. Sure, living in student accommodation can make it easier to meet new people and form friendships, but it's not the only way. Even if you're living at home, there are still plenty of opportunities to connect with your fellow students and make lifelong friends.
First off, take advantage of orientation week or any other events organized by your university. These are designed to help students get to know each other, regardless of where they live. Attend as many events as you can, join clubs or societies that align with your interests, and don't be afraid to strike up conversations with your classmates.
Joining clubs and societies is a fantastic way to meet new people and make friends at university. Whether you have a specific hobby or interest or you're open to exploring new activities, there's likely to be a club or society that aligns with your passions. By joining a club or society, you'll have the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who share your interests. It's a great way to bond over common activities and create lasting friendships.
Another tip is to be proactive. If you hear about a social gathering or a party happening, don't hesitate to reach out and ask if you can join. People are generally welcoming and open to new connections, so don't be shy about putting yourself out there.Study groups are also a fantastic way to bond with your peers. Not only can you collaborate and help each other with coursework, but it's also a chance to socialize and get to know people outside of the classroom. And remember, friendships take time to develop. It's okay if it doesn't happen overnight. Be patient, be yourself, and keep putting yourself in social situations. Before you know it, you'll have a circle of friends that you can rely on.
So, to sum it up, while living in student accommodation can offer some unique opportunities for making friends, it's definitely possible to have a fulfilling social life even if you're staying home during uni. Embrace the social events, join clubs, engage with your classmates, and be proactive in seeking out social opportunities. You got this! University is an exciting time, and I'm confident you'll have an amazing experience and make lifelong friends, regardless of where you live.
Best Wishes
Priya
Postgraduate Ambassador
University of Southampton
No, it isn’t possible.
Original post by c.ya.space.c0w
I'm a little worried about how I'm gonna make friends at uni (I start first year after the summer), especially since I'll be living at home. I really wanted to move out into student accommodation as it seems so fun and such an easy way to make friends!
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Hi @c.ya.space.c0w I 100% understand your concern, I am currently a second-year student who lives at home and commutes to Uni, and I can vouch that this has not in any way affected my uni experience.
Many of my friends do live in accommodation, however they never make me feel alienated if anything they go out of their way to make sure I am comfortable around them.
I know starting can be scary, but you just need to remember everyone is in the same boat. Most new students will be looking to find likeminded people they can befriend, remember confidence is key. Hope this helps!
Gurpej(Student Rep)
Original post by BCU Student Rep
Hi @c.ya.space.c0w I 100% understand your concern, I am currently a second-year student who lives at home and commutes to Uni, and I can vouch that this has not in any way affected my uni experience.
Many of my friends do live in accommodation, however they never make me feel alienated if anything they go out of their way to make sure I am comfortable around them.
I know starting can be scary, but you just need to remember everyone is in the same boat. Most new students will be looking to find likeminded people they can befriend, remember confidence is key. Hope this helps!
Gurpej(Student Rep)
Many of my friends do live in accommodation, however they never make me feel alienated if anything they go out of their way to make sure I am comfortable around them.
I know starting can be scary, but you just need to remember everyone is in the same boat. Most new students will be looking to find likeminded people they can befriend, remember confidence is key. Hope this helps!
Gurpej(Student Rep)
Don’t you sometimes feel like you’re missing out a bit? I mean like on unplanned nights out and any number of other things like that or the first night madness I get you don’t feel you missed out but to quote Apocalypse Now “You don’t know man you weren’t there.”
Original post by c.ya.space.c0w
I'm a little worried about how I'm gonna make friends at uni (I start first year after the summer), especially since I'll be living at home. I really wanted to move out into student accommodation as it seems so fun and such an easy way to make friends!
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Hi there!
Although living in student accommodation is a great way to make friends, there are many other opportunities to meet people at Uni. I would highly recommend joining freshers group chats (these are usually found through facebook pages run by unis where people then make their own whatsapp group chats). In the summer before I went to uni, I joined as many groups as I could such as my course group chat, general freshers one, an all girls one etc. This can be a great way to get to know some people and pre-make some plans. I personally found a couple of girls who were studying the same course as me and we made plans to go for a meal and a walk around campus in freshers week. Although there are naturally going to be some awkward moments at the start, you will find that friendships develop overtime. You will also likely meet people through seminars, on campus events, socials and through mutual friends. My top tip for meeting people at uni is to join a society! This is a great place to meet likeminded people and develop a new or pre-existing skill. Although you will have to commute to and from socials.
I had a few friends who lived at home and they commuted to uni. I don't think it's necessarily harder to make friends as long as you make effort and put yourself out there. However, the main issue they faced was getting to and from uni for social events, especially clubs and bars. If this isn't your thing then that is completely fine. There are many groups and societies that host non drinking events like games nights, movie nights, days out, pizza making etc. That being said if you do drink and wish to participate in drinking activities then you will need a safe plan to get home. A possible solution to this is getting a parent or other friend/family member to drop you off and pick you up. You could also take a taxi or uber home or stay with a friend on campus after a night out (once you get to know people). Alternatively, I had a friend who lived about 30 mins away from the uni and wanted to go out clubbing during freshers week but wasn't able to commute. So instead of paying to stay in student accommodation for the year, she booked a hotel near the uni for freshers week. This obviously costs money but nowhere near as much as living in student accom and it meant that she didn't have to worry about getting home after a night out. Hope this helps!
Best of luck with uni!
Joanna
-Uni of Kent Rep
Original post by c.ya.space.c0w
I'm a little worried about how I'm gonna make friends at uni (I start first year after the summer), especially since I'll be living at home. I really wanted to move out into student accommodation as it seems so fun and such an easy way to make friends!
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Hi!
When I accepted my offer at university, it was quite late into the year and I didn't have much time to prepare or feel ready to move out in September - I had applied to my university after the UCAS applications, and I wasn't even planning on attending university that year, but when I got accepted into the London Interdisciplinary School following my selection interview, I decided to accept as it was exactly what I was looking for in degree choice (studying variety of subjects, focus on problem solving, skills building,...).
I study in Whitechapel, London which is about 1 hour on the tube plus 20 minutes of walking from my family home, and during the first term and a half of my first year I commuted. I ended up doing this most days because I enjoyed being on our campus and interacting with people here during classes - even if they were held online (this was more of the case during my first year due to COVID but now almost all of my lessons are in person).
Who I made friends with was based on the types of events I attended or activities I took part in. For example, I didn't attend many social events that happened at student accommodations, this was because it was either intended only for those who lived there e.g. as a spontaneous evening gathering, or because of travel and cut off times with my trains - a lot of people I was making friends with at this time were also commuting (we understood that time was a factor in what we could commit too, and I still got to enjoy activities with them outside of uni - sometimes it just required more organising).
Instead I socialised the most on campus; this was both in-between classes, at events held by societies, or off-campus at extra-curricular events organised by the university student experience team - such as when we visited an underground micro-greens farm. Who I interacted with was dependent on who would attend those events, so I still made friends with people living at accommodation as well as those who lived at home. For example, a group of us who both travelled and didn't, went to the Sky Garden as our campus is really close by, at the time I didn't know all of them very well but we are now good friends.
I decided to move into accommodation during my second term and have been living away from home all throughout my second year. I definitely found that my relationships with certain people changed when I moved into accommodation, for example building better relationships with friends, or new people, who preferred types of social activities I didn't attend before, or by being able to see others more frequently because of not having to travel as far.
However, I also noticed that my relationships with friends that were founded, or who I interacted with most, on campus changed. When I moved to London I went onto campus less frequently, and would go to different social activities more than the ones I previously did, and I found I wasn't seeing them as much.
This year I have made an effort to keep this more balanced, and on top of this my interests have changed too which means that I spend more time with the friends who share these, rather than those who like different types of social activities, and my relationships with them have improved.
From my experience, living at home should not impact your ability to make friends, it may just happen under different circumstances, and these circumstances may change throughout your time at university as you have different experiences, try different things, and meet different people.
Good luck for university in September
Original post by c.ya.space.c0w
I'm a little worried about how I'm gonna make friends at uni (I start first year after the summer), especially since I'll be living at home. I really wanted to move out into student accommodation as it seems so fun and such an easy way to make friends!
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Did anyone else stay home during uni? How did it go for you?
Hey there @c.ya.space.c0w !
Although it will be harder for you, it's not impossible and I've made friends this year who commute. The way they did it is by utilising social media. This could include joining course Facebook groups and freshers groups before they went. There's even some groups made for people who commute to try and make friends. I had a friend on my course who commutes reach out to me through these Facebook groups and we got chatting over the summer which made things a lot easier when we both started because we'd already been getting to know each other. She asked if I'd come meet her at the bus stop on the first day so that we could walk in together and this really helped my calm my nerves. All you've got to do is just reach out to people and put yourself out there. Whether that be on social media over summer or even just going to sit with new people in your lectures when you start.
The key to making successful friendships when commuting is find friends who live in the city as well as ones who commute. If you make stable friends who live there then you can always stay at theirs after nights-out and go to theirs when you have gaps between your lectures. You could even do this through joining a society. I didn't join any myself, but found the way I've managed to make the most friends is by being introduced to people through mutual friends. I always recommend to people who commute, if it's feasible, to live at home for the first year and then try moving into the city in second or the other way around. It's a great way to meet new people as well as getting both experiences. If you want to move into student accommodation then it's definitely not too late to consider as an option!
Hope this helped!
Lucy - Digital Student Ambassador SHU
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