Uni friends

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Reply 1

mike23mike

Classes can be intimidating to 'break the ice'. Better to reach out in seminars where the groups are smaller. Start with mundane chit-chat:
"What are your halls like?"
"do you know where the neares Aldi is?"

Also wise to join some societies since you will be connecting with people who share the same interest - be it chess, hockey or Harry Potter.

Reply 2

hallamstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Hi there,

Lots of people tend to feel like this when they start uni and it can be hard sometimes to find people to make friends with and find people who are 'your people'. However, there are lots of different ways to meet new people at uni and make friends, so I thought I would share my best tips on how to meet people and make friends:

1- Join a society. Lots of people will say this, but societies are a great way to make friends as you will meet so many different people here and you likely already have a common interest with them. Most people who join societies are doing so to meet new people while doing something they enjoy, so there will be lots of friendly people here to talk to. Have a look what societies your uni offers and see if there are any that you like the sound of as I would really recommend doing this. The socials are usually great fun and it gets you out of the house too!

2- Talk to people in your classes. While it can be hard in lectures to talk to people, if you have seminars or workshops, you can usually meet people here! Try and sit next to some new people and ask them about how they are finding the course, if they are living in your uni town etc. This will make it easier to start a conversation and to meet some new people.

3- Talk to your flatmates and other people in your building. Sometimes you don't get on that well with the people you are living with which is okay! If this is the case, try and talk to some other people in your building if you meet anyone. You can often meet people if your building has any social areas or puts on any events in the building so it is worth a try as you might meet lots of people!

4- Look on social media. Often there are groups on Facebook and other social media for your uni and before uni lots of people tend to participate in these, but they will still be there and people will still talk on them so it I worth having a look on here and seeing if you meet anyone this way. Often this can be less daunting than speaking to people face to face so it is worth a go.

5- See if your student union puts any events on. Often the SU will host some events throughout the year so have a look as these are great ways of meeting people too. At Hallam, the SU runs lots of events throughout the year- from going to alton towers, to an ice hockey match to just going for a coffee with lots of new people. Have a look what your uni offers as they likely will offer something similar.

I hope some of this helps 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

Reply 3

UniofLaw Student

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Hi there,

It's completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed when trying to make friends at university, especially in a large class. Here are some tips that might help you break the ice and start building connections with your peers.

Consider sitting in a different area of the lecture hall. Sometimes, just changing your spot can lead to new interactions. Look for opportunities to engage with those around you before or after lectures. A simple smile or greeting can open the door to conversation.

Starting a conversation can feel intimidating, but it can be as easy as commenting on the lecture topic or asking someone their opinion on the course material. You might also ask if they understood a particular point or how they found the last assignment. People often appreciate the opportunity to discuss shared experiences.

Participating in group activities, such as study groups or project teams, can also facilitate friendships. If your course has any group work, volunteer to take on a leadership role or help organise study sessions. This can create a more relaxed environment to get to know your classmates.

Joining clubs or societies related to your interests can provide a great platform to meet new people. Whether it’s a law society, sports club, or a hobby group, these environments encourage interaction and are often less intimidating than a classroom setting.

Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out to classmates via social media or university forums. Many students are looking to connect, and online platforms can be a less daunting way to start conversations.
Remember, building friendships takes time, and it’s perfectly okay to take small steps. Be patient with yourself, and know that many others are likely feeling the same way.

You've got this!

Reply 4

Lancaster Student Ambassador

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Hi Anon,
It might be easier trying to talk to your classmates in a smaller group setting like a seminar or lab, by making small talk and then at the end of the session asking if anyone wants to grab a coffee.
Alternatively, there are lots of different ways to make friends outside of your classes at university, for instance by joining a society or attending events ran by your students union. Societies are a great way to meet new people at university as everyone there has a shared interest, usually making it easier to start a conversation with different people.
Hope this helps!
-Jasmine (Lancaster Student Ambassador)

Reply 5

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Hey, making friends at Uni can definitely feel challenging, especially when you're surrounded by so many people but aren't sure how to start conversations. It’s a common feeling, so you’re not alone in this!

Start small by engaging in casual conversations during lectures. For example, you can sit next to someone and ask simple questions like, "Have you done the reading for this class?" or "What do you think of the course so far?" These are easy, low-pressure ways to break the ice without making things feel awkward or forced.

Another great way to meet people is by joining societies or clubs, where everyone shares a common interest, making it easier to strike up conversations. Forming study groups with classmates also helps create a more relaxed setting for getting to know others, while staying on top of your work. Also, spending time in common areas like coffee shops where students from your course hang out can lead to natural interactions and opportunities to connect.

Remember, it’s normal to feel nervous, but most people at Uni are open to making new friends too. And if you’re still feeling unsure, don't hesitate to reach out to your university's student support services for advice or even to attend events aimed at helping students meet each other.

Good Luck 😊,
Arslan – University of Salford Student Representative

Reply 6

Heriot-Watt Uni

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Hi!

It really does take just reaching out and talking to people. It can be really scary but I promise no one is going to mind you saying hi.
People probably won't approach you in lectures as they might think you like to sit by yourself and you are really focused on the lectures - I know a couple of people like that in my class who truly want zero distractions during a lecture so we always give them a little space to focus.

I'd just pick a day to hype yourself up and go chat to people. If there's a little time before class starts when you're all standing outside the lecture room, that'd be a great time to say hi to people as you can see if you get along, and if not, go chat with someone else.

You got this!! It can be scary but it'll be worth it.

- Jessica
Student Rep

Reply 7

YSJstudents

Official Rep

Original post

by Anonymous

How to make friends at uni I am struggling there are so many people at my class and nobody really sits next to me in lectures so idk how to and idk how to start a conversation

Hi!
I completely understand how you feel, you are definitely not alone in feeling this way.
I would recommend going out of your way to sit with some people, just saying 'hey can I sit with you guys' opens up the opportunity to make friends and have a conversation. I know this seems daunting but it's the best way to start chatting to people. If there's a lot of people in your class that means if you don't get along with one group there are plenty of other people to sit with.

Hope this helps! Faye 🙂