Uni life in London while living at home

Hey! I applied to a few unis in London, but I’ll be living at home, pretty far from the center, even though I’ll be out a lot.
I’ve heard it can be tough to make friends as a first-year and that it might feel lonely for a while. Is it that difficult ?

(I already know I’ll be moving into accommodation for second and third year)

Reply 1

Chester Student

Official Rep

Original post by Selmaa55

Hey! I applied to a few unis in London, but I’ll be living at home, pretty far from the center, even though I’ll be out a lot.
I’ve heard it can be tough to make friends as a first-year and that it might feel lonely for a while. Is it that difficult ?
(I already know I’ll be moving into accommodation for second and third year)

Hi there,

I'm not sure how it is at universities in London, but it can definitely be tough to make friends in first year.

I wouldn't worry about it though, as it does partly depend on how much you're putting yourself out there and trying to meet people. If you join sports and societies, find part-time work, volunteer, and chat to the people on your course/around you, I'm sure you'll find some friends quickly. A good way to develop a friendship from these activities would be to find someone you can chat with, and invite them for coffee, to study, or to another activity.

A lot of friendship groups will end up changing quite a bit, especially in first year, so don't let this discourage you. Focus on your course and doing what you enjoy, and you'll find your people.

Best of luck!

Isabella
Fourth-Year (Geography with a Year Abroad)

Reply 2

Kingston Lily

Official Rep

Original post by Selmaa55

Hey! I applied to a few unis in London, but I’ll be living at home, pretty far from the center, even though I’ll be out a lot.
I’ve heard it can be tough to make friends as a first-year and that it might feel lonely for a while. Is it that difficult ?
(I already know I’ll be moving into accommodation for second and third year)

Hi @Selmaa55,

As Isabella said, it can be a challenge for a lot of student to make friends in the first year. In my experience, living in halls can be helpful in making friends, but isn't a huge factor either, as I have found that I connected better with people from my course than from uni halls. Another way of meeting new people is to attend as many events as possible at the start of the year, such as Fresher's week events, clubs and societies' introductory sessions, course related events, etc. It may take time to find your people, but don't worry too much about it, enjoy your course, and remember that everyone will be starting off just like you, with the same concerns and questions.

I hope this helps!
-Lily (Kingston Rep)

Reply 3

tuomatou

Don't worry. I understand your anxiety and worry when facing new environments and unknowns. But, based on my uni experience, it is quite easy to make friends. You can join some clubs, events, and societies in your uni and make friends with similar interests there. btw if you want to find accommodation near your uni for next year, consider uhomes.com with all bills included and the highest cashback. There are also various communal spaces in the student flat, perfect for socialization and relaxation.