Best Ways to make friends at University!

Moving to university can be a scary experience, most people move to university not knowing anyone, which can make the transition process more difficult. Because of this I thought I would try to put together a few different suggestions on the best ways to make friends and meet new people at University.
Give it a go…
University can provide you with lots of new opportunities, this can be great fun and help you to meet new people and learn about their experiences. I think that if an opportunity is there, give it a go! Sometimes pushing yourself outside your comfort zone can be a great thing as it can help you to build your confidence around new people and situations.
Join a sports team or society!
I joined a sports team at University and it was honestly the best decision, I have made so many friends because of it, and had the opportunity to go around the country exploring new places because of this, it has helped to develop my confidence. Societies can be a great way as well as it can be easy to make friends with people who have common interests with yourself. Even if there isn’t a sports or society that you like, why not start your own team or society!
Take your time
Sometimes it takes some people longer than others to make new friends and connections at university and this is totally fine. There are that many people at university there truly is groups of people for everyone. Don’t be discouraged if you haven’t found your mates at the end of freshers week. There really is loads of time and opportunities for you to make connections whilst at Uni.
Grab a course mate after a lecture for a coffee.
This can be one of the best ways to start learning more and making more meaningful connections with your course mates. As it gives you more of chance to talk and have a catch up. I have found this to most successful especially if you are a student that commutes in or missed Welcome week.
Simile!
By just smiling at someone it can make starting a conversation easier, try not to get to worried about people not wanting to talk as most people are eager to meet new people and make new connections.
I hope this helps!
Matt
Wrexham Uni Reps

hi there,
Great tips for making friends at uni - sometimes it can be hard to find your feet when you just get there.
Another tip I always recommend is try not be intimidated by everyone else there, thinking they are in a much better place than you - remember they are very probably in the same boat and worried about these things too!
Hope this helps
Amber
Coventry Uni Student Ambassador

Hi there,
These are great suggestions Matt!
It's so important to put yourself out there and make the most of your time at University. There are so many things you can get involved in, and great ways to meet your people.
Another thing to remember is that others are feeling the same way, whether that be stressed, excited, anxious, optimistic, homesick, or overwhelmed. You are not alone in feeling any of these, as starting and going through University is a whirlwind of a time!
Reach out to help if you need it, lean on others around you, and have fun!
Isabella
Fourth-Year Geography with a Year Abroad Student

Hello,
There are some really good ideas here for making friends at University. I would agree it is really good to get involved in society and going for coffee with different people. But generally just stepping outside your comfort zone can also be really useful. Making friends "at university" does not mean you need to restrict yourself to other individuals who are part of the University.
I personally have made so many friends of all different ages with members of the local community and these are some of the friendships which I value the most. Many of these friendships have come from a new hobby which I have taken up and learnt in the local community of Leicester. Therefore, don't restrict yourself! Be open minded! Volunteering in the local community can also be a very good way to make new friends.
Most importantly, you may not make any friends or many long-term friends as soon as you get to University but if you give it time you will find "your people" who will become your long-term friends. Be patient!
I hope this provides some helpful advice, if you have any questions or are interested in my personal experiences please do let me know!
Charlie
Law LLB Student