Conversation starters/ice-breakers for freshers' week
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Hi @University of Bath
This is a great idea!
Bringing a doorstop along to your accommodation is a great idea. During move in week or weekend, students will tend to have an open-door policy so they can socialise with their flatmates upon arrival. Finding out where people have just moved from is always a good conversation starter!
Estelle
Graduate Advocate
This is a great idea!
Bringing a doorstop along to your accommodation is a great idea. During move in week or weekend, students will tend to have an open-door policy so they can socialise with their flatmates upon arrival. Finding out where people have just moved from is always a good conversation starter!
Estelle
Graduate Advocate
(edited 1 month ago)
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Love this thread! @University of Bath
And I can confirm brownies have bonded my flat mates and I together. 🙂
My suggestion would be to compliment someone! Maybe you like their outfit, their style, something they've done in your classes/lectures. I always feel great if someone is kind enough to say something nice to me, and it almost always starts up a conversation!
And no matter what happens, you will have brightened someone's day! 🙂
Looking forward to seeing some more ideas!!
Emily
Student Rep at BCU
What a lovely idea! I am a current student about to go into my final year, and even as someone in their thirties I still found the prospect of making friends a bit daunting, however, you soon realise practically everyone else is in the same boat.
All the ideas suggested above are brilliant! You will probably find other students jumping at the chance to chat and will often be grateful if you start the conversation. I usually find a compliment or free food goes a long way, because as Emily said it can be the highlight of someone’s day. Alternatively, you could give someone a hand if they look like they might need it, be it grabbing the door for them, helping them with their bags, or figuring out the laundry system.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s suggestions.
Good luck to anyone starting university this September!
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
All the ideas suggested above are brilliant! You will probably find other students jumping at the chance to chat and will often be grateful if you start the conversation. I usually find a compliment or free food goes a long way, because as Emily said it can be the highlight of someone’s day. Alternatively, you could give someone a hand if they look like they might need it, be it grabbing the door for them, helping them with their bags, or figuring out the laundry system.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s suggestions.
Good luck to anyone starting university this September!
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
Original post by McGinger
At the end of your first classes/lectures, say very loudly "Anyone fancy a coffee?" - because otherwise you will all drift off in different directions and not talk to each other, and actually everyone was wishing someone would suggest this.
Good one @McGinger 🙂 - either say it loudly or choose someone around you you've perhaps met in the lecture and ask them. If they say no, ask another. Generally, people will be very open to invitations to coffee, especially when everyone is in the same boat looking to connect with people!
Original post by University of Salford Student Rep
What a lovely idea! I am a current student about to go into my final year, and even as someone in their thirties I still found the prospect of making friends a bit daunting, however, you soon realise practically everyone else is in the same boat.
All the ideas suggested above are brilliant! You will probably find other students jumping at the chance to chat and will often be grateful if you start the conversation. I usually find a compliment or free food goes a long way, because as Emily said it can be the highlight of someone’s day. Alternatively, you could give someone a hand if they look like they might need it, be it grabbing the door for them, helping them with their bags, or figuring out the laundry system.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s suggestions.
Good luck to anyone starting university this September!
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
All the ideas suggested above are brilliant! You will probably find other students jumping at the chance to chat and will often be grateful if you start the conversation. I usually find a compliment or free food goes a long way, because as Emily said it can be the highlight of someone’s day. Alternatively, you could give someone a hand if they look like they might need it, be it grabbing the door for them, helping them with their bags, or figuring out the laundry system.
I’m looking forward to seeing everyone’s suggestions.
Good luck to anyone starting university this September!
Lucy 😊
(Official Uni of Salford Student Rep)
Nice idea @University of Salford Student Rep ! One way I met a really good friend at uni was to offer to sort him out some dinner when he was rushed off his feet - ten minutes between his last lecture and a football match. Offering to cook or help cook a nice meal to share with your flatmates is always a good shout. We had a Mexican night in our freshers' week, which was a great bonding activity!
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Love this thread! One of the first things we did in our flat was chat about music, TV shows and movies we liked, then we would start doing movie nights off the back of it, where each week one of us would pick a new film to watch, even if we all hated it it definitely gave us things to talk about! And food, definitely! We started doing our own come dine with me nights to cook together and inviting others along too, we could always laugh about any kitchen disasters after it.
Arranging to meet after lectures or seminars too, I'd always be the person to ask 'is anyone going to the library after this or want to grab a coffee?' Even though we'd mostly be studying in the library, it was always nicer having someone to walk there with and sit with for some company.
Jennie
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Love the brownie idea! One of my first year flatmates brought a pack of cards which led to a lovely evening of card games on move in day. I also recommend asking people what course they are doing, where they moved from, what societies they might join, etc. Also trying to go to events like welcome talks, freshers fair and nights out together can be a good bonding experience.
-Kat (Psychology UG Student @ Lancaster University)
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Hiya!
This is a fantastic idea for a thread and incredibly helpful for students!
My best advice is to just be yourself and make an effort to put yourself out there! It’s natural to feel a bit shy or reserved but if you can push yourself to be more talkative and confident, it will really help in meeting new people and keeping the conversation going.
When I was in my first year, I used simple conversation starters like, "Where are you from?" "What are you studying?" "Do you live in accommodation?" and "Which Freshers events are you planning to attend?" I’d often follow up with, "Would you like to go together?" 😃 etc
Also the advice about card games, movie nights and group dinner nights all sound great and lots of fun! You could always see what's happening in the city too and if there are any events or fun things to explore and suggest doing this with your new friends
-Maddie, Second year Health and Well-being in Society student at De Montfort University
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Hey there everyone! 👋
My name is Siobhan, I’m a 3rd year student at UCLAN and I remember my first day in uni like yesterday, thinking about how to start conversations!!
The things that I went for, which I can recommend is:
1.
Asking someone where about they have moved from! Find a bit more about the city/town your flatmates or new friends are from and see if you learn something new! 📍
1.
Ask them about what course they are doing! Find a bit more about what they will be doing in day to day uni life, such as if they do placement or practicals! 🧑*🎓👩*🎓
1.
See if they are thinking about joining any societies or sports clubs! Do you have any similarities in what interest you? ⚽️🏈
Hope that helps! If anyone has any questions at all, feel free to drop them below!
-Siobhan (3rd Year Physiotherapy Student at UCLAN)
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Hi all,
This is a great idea.
I would suggest that you bring a small card game that you can play straight away with friends when you move in, as this helps to start conversations and also develop common interests.
Another suggestion is to bring a bag of sweets or something similar to share with your new coursemates - this is definitely one way to get your coursemates to like you! 😀
What would you suggest?
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps
Original post by University of Bath
Hi all,
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
I've read a few posts lately from students anxious about starting conversations and making friends with others when they start university. Its a very normal and very common worry to have, but that doesn't make it any less nerve-wracking!
I thought I'd start a thread so we can share any good ways to break the ice/start conversations/connect with people when you first start university.
I'm going to start with...
Bring baked goods to your accommodation, put them on the kitchen counter and share them with your new flatmates. Perhaps offer to make coffee. A convo which starts with brownies can end up with you getting to know more about your new housemates.
Any others suggestions welcome
Hey @University of Bath
This is an excellent idea to help upcoming freshers feel more confident about staring conversations and putting themselves out there. And, the baked goods idea is absolutely brilliant!
Here are some conversation starters that helped me break the ice:
•
"Have you explored the city and the campus yet?" - It's a great way to start a conversation about the university and city life. You can even invite them to explore the campus and some famous places with you.
•
"Have you tried any of the food places yet?" - This could lead to making plans to grab a meal together.
•
"Which clubs and societies are you planning to join?" - It's perfect for starting a chat about hobbies and seeing if you are planning to join any similar societies.
I hope this helps!
All the best,
Akshita
(University of Southampton Student Rep)
(edited 1 month ago)
What are you studying in the first couple of weeks is usually good maybe you could ask people about their ho e town where are they from stuff like that baked goods are a great idea also everyone love Haribo so bring some Starmix or Tangfastics or even Goldbears with you just small things like that really work you could also plan with your flatmates or course mates to go to freshers fair together don’t worry though these things tend to happen organically and once you have a drink in front of you and your playing Cards Against Humanity the conversation will flow.
Original post by WrexhamUniReps
Hi all,
This is a great idea.
I would suggest that you bring a small card game that you can play straight away with friends when you move in, as this helps to start conversations and also develop common interests.
Another suggestion is to bring a bag of sweets or something similar to share with your new coursemates - this is definitely one way to get your coursemates to like you! 😀
What would you suggest?
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps
This is a great idea.
I would suggest that you bring a small card game that you can play straight away with friends when you move in, as this helps to start conversations and also develop common interests.
Another suggestion is to bring a bag of sweets or something similar to share with your new coursemates - this is definitely one way to get your coursemates to like you! 😀
What would you suggest?
I hope this helps,
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps
I was known as the guy who always had something on him giving my course mates Toxic Waste (very sour sweets if you don’t know) in lectures was always very funny i actually really like them and am able to eat them with a straight face but they hadn’t got that knack at that point.
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