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how to socialise as a commuter?

hello! i'll be starting university this september and i'll be commuting. my commute is looking to be 1.5hrs long (one way), if i find it too strenuous i'll definitely consider moving out later in the year or next year. however, what i'm asking is advice on socialising and making friends! i've heard mixed experiences from people in this regard so i was wondering if anyone else who commutes or is friends with commuters could help me out on how best i can make some friends. i'd also appreciate hearing how you/your friends manage your time.

unfortunately, i am making it more difficult for myself in regards to the fact that i don't drink and i'm not very keen on parties/clubbing. however, i would describe myself overall as a very social and extroverted person, i love hanging out around others and don't mind putting myself out there :smile:

Reply 1

Societies and events around the university will be your best friend when it comes to socialising, and this goes for both dorm dwellers and commuters! Aside from that, definitely interact with your classmates and build good relationships with them, invite them out to a cafe or something of the like after a lecture to develop that friendship outside the classroom.

You could also see if you can find anyone else in your class or societies who are using the same or a connected commuting route if you aren't too tired and wanted a buddy to travel with. Honestly don't stress too hard about it! The best thing to do is just put yourself on the map, reach out to people, and see what happens.

I'm also not the biggest drinker or party-goer due to health reasons, but many if not all universities at this point hold events and socials without any alcohol involved. I believe students are drinking less than they did maybe 20 years ago anyway, so you'll definitely find your people! Good luck at university, make the most of it!
(edited 4 months ago)

Reply 2

Hi @meowsies!

Don't worry honestly - lots of people commute (me included) and still have a great social life at uni, it just takes a little bit more planning. The fact you're already quite extroverted and enjoy being around others is such a strength, it'll help you naturally connect.

Some tips:

get involved early: welcome week is a really good chance to meet people. I literally met one of my current friends in the queue for freshers fair lol. There's so much going on in the first few weeks, and quite a few are non-drinking.

societies and groups: joining one or two societies is one of the best ways to make consistent friends!

use your timetable: I had this really bad habit or running straight home after my lectures were done instead of socialising a bit. Try grabbing food with people, that's where friendships stick.

make the most of small connections: sitting next to someone in lectures, chatting before/after seminars, or forming study groups can easily turn into friendships.

non-drinker friendly: you'll find loads of students who don't drink, so you won't be alone in that. I'm not a drinker either and found loads of society events weren't centred around alcohol. people are mostly happy to just hang out.


As for managing time, definitely try blocking out your week in advance: lectures/seminars, readings, chill times, etc. I treat the commute as downtime, and uni as a 9-5.

Good luck! Any questions, let me know 🙂

Innaya,
MMU Student Rep x

Reply 3

Original post
by meowsies
hello! i'll be starting university this september and i'll be commuting. my commute is looking to be 1.5hrs long (one way), if i find it too strenuous i'll definitely consider moving out later in the year or next year. however, what i'm asking is advice on socialising and making friends! i've heard mixed experiences from people in this regard so i was wondering if anyone else who commutes or is friends with commuters could help me out on how best i can make some friends. i'd also appreciate hearing how you/your friends manage your time.
unfortunately, i am making it more difficult for myself in regards to the fact that i don't drink and i'm not very keen on parties/clubbing. however, i would describe myself overall as a very social and extroverted person, i love hanging out around others and don't mind putting myself out there :smile:

Hi @meowsies ,

Lots of people feel this way if they are commuting, but it really isn't that difficult to meet people as a commuter student! It also doesn't really matter if you don't like going out and drinking as there are so many other things to do and ways to make friends:

Join a society! I just thought I would emphasise this as this is one of the best ways to meet people and make friends while you are at uni. There will be lots of different ones so have a look online at the SU website and see if there is any you are interested in as you will meet lots of people here. They often do socials which don't involve drinking too so you might like this.


It sounds obvious, but make sure you are going to lectures and seminars and talking to people here as this is where you will meet people. People will want to make friends so be yourself and be friendly during freshers week (and beyond) and you will meet people here.


Don't rush off after uni finishes as you will meet people after uni too. See if people want to go for a coffee, go for lunch or even just to the library to do some work together and you will find people want to do this!


Have a look on social media as there are often people on here that you can meet and make friends with. Search for your uni and groups will come up and you can meet people this way!


I hope some of this helps and good luck for September 🙂

Lucy -SHU student ambassador.

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