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how to make friends at uni returning from interruption of studies!

Hello,
I interrupted my studies last year and am resuming second year of studies with a totally new year group who already know each other well (from first year), I am on my second week and in every lecture I sit alone and it feels horrible since for some modules the lecturer asks to discuss solutions to questions with friends.
I have tried to socialise with people but its been very short.
I am an introvert and my social skills are not great, please give me tips on how can make friends with people
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I interrupted my studies last year and am resuming second year of studies with a totally new year group who already know each other well (from first year), I am on my second week and in every lecture I sit alone and it feels horrible since for some modules the lecturer asks to discuss solutions to questions with friends.
I have tried to socialise with people but its been very short.
I am an introvert and my social skills are not great, please give me tips on how can make friends with people

Hey Anon! This can be tricky if you've been away from study, sorry you're feeling this way :redface:

If you've already tried to socialise a little then that's a great start. Just because those interactions have been short doesn't mean they've been for nothing! Next time try to build on chats a little - you could maybe ask where people are going for lunch that day and ask if you can join?

Does your degree have group projects as part of the assessments? That can also be a good way to meet new friends all on a similar wavelength.

Getting involved with clubs and societies is another good recommendation :smile:

- Caitlin :h:
Official University of Strathclyde Rep
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I interrupted my studies last year and am resuming second year of studies with a totally new year group who already know each other well (from first year), I am on my second week and in every lecture I sit alone and it feels horrible since for some modules the lecturer asks to discuss solutions to questions with friends.
I have tried to socialise with people but its been very short.
I am an introvert and my social skills are not great, please give me tips on how can make friends with people

Anon,

Don't be afraid to sit next to different people and to make small talk. You can talk about work, the weather, assignments, anything!

Remember, it takes time to get to know people and to form friendships so don't be too hard on yourself!

Being friendly, having a positive attitude and remembering people's names can be a big help.

You could also invite people to grab a coffee or to study in the library or could see if anyone is interested in watching some sport over the weekend.

Try and create opportunities to get to know people better or try to make the most of events at your university.

All the best,

Oluwatosin 3rd year student University of Huddersfield
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I interrupted my studies last year and am resuming second year of studies with a totally new year group who already know each other well (from first year), I am on my second week and in every lecture I sit alone and it feels horrible since for some modules the lecturer asks to discuss solutions to questions with friends.
I have tried to socialise with people but its been very short.
I am an introvert and my social skills are not great, please give me tips on how can make friends with people


Hey!

I personally transferred unis for second year, so naturally also started second year with no friends. I did try and join a couple of societies initially and made a couple friends that way. I'd definitely recommend joining a society if there's one you're really interested in as you can definitely make friends! However, I'm not a super extroverted person so did struggle a little bit personally.

To be honest, I actually found most of the friends I've made (and had the longest-lasting friendships with) have actually just been people I met naturally on my course through classes and group work. Throughout the year, you'll likely have to talk to a range of different people in your seminars, so make use of this time to maybe make some small talk and see if you have any common ground. You can always then ask people if they want to go for coffee some time etc., I know it's scary but most people would actually be really appreciative of an offer like that!

Remember that friendships change over time as well; most people don't keep the same friends they made during freshers week/first year! I wouldn't stress too much, you still have 2 years left of uni, so try not to put too much pressure on yourself.

Best of luck with everything!
Natalie
University of Kent Student Rep (PhD Psychology)
Original post by Anonymous
Hello,
I interrupted my studies last year and am resuming second year of studies with a totally new year group who already know each other well (from first year), I am on my second week and in every lecture I sit alone and it feels horrible since for some modules the lecturer asks to discuss solutions to questions with friends.
I have tried to socialise with people but its been very short.
I am an introvert and my social skills are not great, please give me tips on how can make friends with people


Hey!

I can relate to you on this as I briefly went from full-time to part-time studies during my time at university!

I had the same concerns, as I was worried that I would not make any friends. I told myself I wasn't there to make friends, just study, but making friends with your cohorts is really important! During my first seminar, I went straight into group work and, to my surprise, managed to make easy conversation. It is hard to forget that you studying your chosen subject because you have an interest or passion for it. Others will be the same, and small-talk about the course can lead into non-academic related chat!

As others have said, I would suggest trying to meet up outside of class and go for a coffee, go to the library etc, and you may surprise yourself in that you start to meet outside of university.

Alternatively, if there is a society related to your course then I would recommend joining those! You could even create your own!

I hope this helps!

Estelle :smile:
Graduate Advocate

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