How can I make friends when I go university?

Hello everyone!

For many people, concerns around socialising and making friends can be a big source of worry before they go to university.

Our student ambassadors will be sharing their top tips below for meeting new people and looking after yourself when you go to university, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

- Izzie (UK Recruitment) :smile:

Reply 1

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by UniofReading

Hello everyone!
For many people, concerns around socialising and making friends can be a big source of worry before they go to university.
Our student ambassadors will be sharing their top tips below for meeting new people and looking after yourself when you go to university, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
- Izzie (UK Recruitment) :smile:

Hi everyone!

I hope you're all well.

Making friends at uni was something I was really anxious about. I went to the same school for 11 years and had the same friend group throughout so never really had to make new friends! I have never been great at speaking to new people so I was very worried about it, but I now know I had no reason to be nervous.

Living in halls is an amazing way to make friends as you get to know people very quickly. I became great friends with one of my housemates quite early on, and we still live together 3 years later! There are plenty of on-campus activities which are an amazing opportunity to get to know and socialise with your housemates. I personally found attending welcome week events with my housemates really useful.

Another place I found amazing friends was on my course. It can be intimidating to get to know people on your course, but they are often the people you have the most in common with! As difficult as it can be, I recommend putting yourself out there and speaking to as many people on your course as you can early on, as this will put you in a great position for making friends.

I have made some of my best friends at uni through joining a society. The opportunity to attend weekly training and socials with people you might never have met otherwise is such a nice way to get to know others. I would recommend joining a society, even if it is something you have never done before, and getting to know some people this way. Some societies are completely free so this does not have to be something which costs lots of money.

Ultimately, everyone is in the same boat when they come to uni. Everyone wants to make friends and is anxious about it, so never feel embarrassed speaking to others. They will probably be very grateful you did! It is also important to remember that it is okay to take time to yourself, especially in the first few weeks. Don't let the fear of not making friends take priority over your own well-being.

I hope this helps!

Hattie😊
4MSci Speech and Language Therapy

Reply 2

UniofReading

Official Rep

Original post by UniofReading

Hello everyone!
For many people, concerns around socialising and making friends can be a big source of worry before they go to university.
Our student ambassadors will be sharing their top tips below for meeting new people and looking after yourself when you go to university, and will be happy to answer any questions you may have!
- Izzie (UK Recruitment) :smile:

Hi everyone 🙂

As a current student, I totally know understand how scary it can feel when you first start uni and don't know anyone yet. But do not worry - you are not alone and there are so many great ways to meet new people and settle in, so you will be absolutely fine! Here are some of my top tips:

1)Join societies! Reading has so many amazing clubs and societies available to students, from academic to sports and niche interests! They are such a good way to meet like-minded people, even if you just go along in the taster session weeks!

2)Halls are also a great way to meet people! In my first few days, I spent time meeting my flatmates and their friends. Even walking together to lectures, exploring the campus or heading to town can be a great way to spark friendships 🙂

3)Get involved in the welcome week activities! There is always something happening all to help you meet new people. My course had welcome week activities too, so these are something to keep an eye out for! Meeting friends on my course was great and meant I had friends to attend lectures with, with a common interest!

I would also suggest taking time for yourself in the first few weeks as they can be overwhelming when you are so busy meeting new people and trying new activities! Making friends can be a worry, but you will soon realise how everyone is in the same situation and wants to meet as many people as possible! Sometimes saying hi can lead to an amazing friendship down the line! Don't be afraid to push yourself out of your comfort zone 🙂

Good luck!
Millie 🙂
BSc International Development