studio room as first year
hi guys, i have accepted a studio room at the university of exeter (birks grange village) but im worried it will be hard to make friends/ isolating. if anyone has any experience staying in a studio first year pls offer any advice! also if anyone has changed accomodation at university of exeter before pls tell me what the process was like! thanks!!
Reply 1
Hi! I am looking at this accommodation for next year and had the same thoughts. How is it for you?
Reply 2
Hi there,
Living on your own can sometimes feel like everyone else has already found their groups—but don’t worry, that’s rarely the case! There are plenty of ways to meet people and get involved.
Start with Your Lectures
Even if it seems like everyone already knows each other, most people are still open to meeting new friends. A simple, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]—do you mind if I join you?” can go a long way. If someone says they’re saving a seat, that’s fine—try another group nearby.
Lectures are a great place to start since you already share an interest. Ask about the course, their hobbies, or societies they’re thinking of joining. You could suggest grabbing a coffee or lunch after class, or even starting a group chat to stay connected. Setting up a study group in the library for tricky assignments or group projects can also be a great way to make friends (bonus points if you bring snacks!)
Join Some Societies
It might sound cliché, but joining societies really does help you meet people with similar interests. There’s usually a huge range to choose from, and many have Instagram pages where you can check out events, meet-up times, and how much commitment is involved. Try attending a few taster sessions to see what you enjoy—whether you prefer something casual or more regular, there’s likely something that fits your schedule. And if not, you can always start your own!
Try Part-Time Work or Volunteering
Part-time jobs and volunteering are great for building experience and meeting new people. Even if you’re already committed to a part-time job, your uni careers service will likely advertise one-off projects or less regular work, giving you the chance to meet new people without overloading your schedule. Balancing different roles can help you meet people across a range of groups.
Get Involved Outside of Uni
Some of the closest friendships I’ve formed didn’t come from university classes—they came from activities outside university, such as open mic nights, pub quizzes and local groups. Don’t underestimate the social opportunities outside of campus!
Living in a studio doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. It might take a bit of confidence and initiative, but most people are just waiting for someone to make that first move.
Hope that helps 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Living on your own can sometimes feel like everyone else has already found their groups—but don’t worry, that’s rarely the case! There are plenty of ways to meet people and get involved.
Start with Your Lectures
Even if it seems like everyone already knows each other, most people are still open to meeting new friends. A simple, “Hi, I’m [Your Name]—do you mind if I join you?” can go a long way. If someone says they’re saving a seat, that’s fine—try another group nearby.
Lectures are a great place to start since you already share an interest. Ask about the course, their hobbies, or societies they’re thinking of joining. You could suggest grabbing a coffee or lunch after class, or even starting a group chat to stay connected. Setting up a study group in the library for tricky assignments or group projects can also be a great way to make friends (bonus points if you bring snacks!)
Join Some Societies
It might sound cliché, but joining societies really does help you meet people with similar interests. There’s usually a huge range to choose from, and many have Instagram pages where you can check out events, meet-up times, and how much commitment is involved. Try attending a few taster sessions to see what you enjoy—whether you prefer something casual or more regular, there’s likely something that fits your schedule. And if not, you can always start your own!
Try Part-Time Work or Volunteering
Part-time jobs and volunteering are great for building experience and meeting new people. Even if you’re already committed to a part-time job, your uni careers service will likely advertise one-off projects or less regular work, giving you the chance to meet new people without overloading your schedule. Balancing different roles can help you meet people across a range of groups.
Get Involved Outside of Uni
Some of the closest friendships I’ve formed didn’t come from university classes—they came from activities outside university, such as open mic nights, pub quizzes and local groups. Don’t underestimate the social opportunities outside of campus!
Living in a studio doesn’t mean you’ll miss out. It might take a bit of confidence and initiative, but most people are just waiting for someone to make that first move.
Hope that helps 🙂
Megan (LJMU Rep)
Reply 3
10
Original post
by AnonymousHi! I am looking at this accommodation for next year and had the same thoughts. How is it for you?
hi! im loving it!! i think however, i got really lucky with my floor as none of us actually applied for studios we are all very social with our doors always open. unfortunately, in my block none of the other floors are like this, and seem to be much more quiet... also, there is no common room, so we do end up just hanging out in the corridor or cramped in someones room.. but we dont mind!! i would say if you do end up here, for freshers week do knock on everyones doors (there are 20 people on my floor!!) and introduce yourself/ make a groupchat! its scary but its honestly what made us really close!
the actual living space is so much better than i imagined! i have enjoyed having my own kitchen since i dont have to worry about anyone elses mess. the only downsides is the wetroom, and having to go up cardiac hill each day.. but atleast we get our steps in!!
if u have any more questions i would be happy to answer 😃💗
Reply 4
hey! i just started uni in september and i am in a studio - i love it!!
however, i am not in my unis accommodation, i am in city accommodation instead (loooong story) so my experience might be different to living in a studio in your actual universities accommodation - i live with people who also go to the other two unis in my city along with 2nd + 3rd year students
the reason why i love it is because i'm someone who prefers my own space and i do quite well on my own so i wasn't really worried about being isolated (how very edge lord of me)
in terms of meeting people i have to say i do hardly see anyone at all and i have no friends in my building because of this. i tend to only really see people when i am in the lift - the most amount of people i've seen is when the fire alarm went off at 1:19 one morning. this is something for you to take into account if you are worried about being isolated. the girl in the studio next to me is in 2nd year and did knock on my door to introduce herself but this is the only interaction i have had with anyone on my floor. if you do stick with the studio i would recommend maybe knocking on doors to also introduce youself
there is two social spaced in my building - a terrace and a basement with a tv + quiet study area
i always use the basement to study so i'm not completely shut in my room the whole time (and i'm paying for it so why not) but the only times i've seen people down there is when they are going in and out of the laundry room. i do recommend hanging out in any social spaces your building offers - that way you can hopefully meet and introduce yourself to some people
however, i am not totally isolated - i've made friends with people who are on my course. if you do decide to stick with the studio i'd definitely recommend finding out if there is a group chat on instagram, snapchat, whatsapp or whatever for your course (sometimes unis use things like unibuddy which will have different group chats you can join) so you know you do have people to talk to + interact with
i have a friend who is in a shared kitchen flat at a different uni and she hardly left her room to eat in the first week and spent ages trying to figure out if anyone was in there before she went in -- i would *definitely* recommend having a think about whether or not you are really anxious around new people/environments. if you are maybe a studio is the way to go
all in all i really do prefer it to sharing a kitchen - i get my own space + i can keep it clean without having to worry about nightmare flatmates. and i can have a dance while i cook 🙃
i hope this all made sense and if you have any other questions/things clarifying please message me!!
however, i am not in my unis accommodation, i am in city accommodation instead (loooong story) so my experience might be different to living in a studio in your actual universities accommodation - i live with people who also go to the other two unis in my city along with 2nd + 3rd year students
the reason why i love it is because i'm someone who prefers my own space and i do quite well on my own so i wasn't really worried about being isolated (how very edge lord of me)
in terms of meeting people i have to say i do hardly see anyone at all and i have no friends in my building because of this. i tend to only really see people when i am in the lift - the most amount of people i've seen is when the fire alarm went off at 1:19 one morning. this is something for you to take into account if you are worried about being isolated. the girl in the studio next to me is in 2nd year and did knock on my door to introduce herself but this is the only interaction i have had with anyone on my floor. if you do stick with the studio i would recommend maybe knocking on doors to also introduce youself
there is two social spaced in my building - a terrace and a basement with a tv + quiet study area
i always use the basement to study so i'm not completely shut in my room the whole time (and i'm paying for it so why not) but the only times i've seen people down there is when they are going in and out of the laundry room. i do recommend hanging out in any social spaces your building offers - that way you can hopefully meet and introduce yourself to some people
however, i am not totally isolated - i've made friends with people who are on my course. if you do decide to stick with the studio i'd definitely recommend finding out if there is a group chat on instagram, snapchat, whatsapp or whatever for your course (sometimes unis use things like unibuddy which will have different group chats you can join) so you know you do have people to talk to + interact with
i have a friend who is in a shared kitchen flat at a different uni and she hardly left her room to eat in the first week and spent ages trying to figure out if anyone was in there before she went in -- i would *definitely* recommend having a think about whether or not you are really anxious around new people/environments. if you are maybe a studio is the way to go
all in all i really do prefer it to sharing a kitchen - i get my own space + i can keep it clean without having to worry about nightmare flatmates. and i can have a dance while i cook 🙃
i hope this all made sense and if you have any other questions/things clarifying please message me!!
Reply 5
Original post
by AnonymousHi! I am looking at this accommodation for next year and had the same thoughts. How is it for you?
hey! i just started uni in september and i am in a studio - i love it!!
however, i am not in my unis accommodation, i am in city accommodation instead (loooong story) so my experience might be different to living in a studio in your actual universities accommodation - i live with people who also go to the other two unis in my city along with 2nd + 3rd year students
the reason why i love it is because i'm someone who prefers my own space and i do quite well on my own so i wasn't really worried about being isolated (how very edge lord of me)
in terms of meeting people i have to say i do hardly see anyone at all and i have no friends in my building because of this. i tend to only really see people when i am in the lift - the most amount of people i've seen is when the fire alarm went off at 1:19 one morning. this is something for you to take into account if you are worried about being isolated. the girl in the studio next to me is in 2nd year and did knock on my door to introduce herself but this is the only interaction i have had with anyone on my floor. if you do stick with the studio i would recommend maybe knocking on doors to also introduce youself
there is two social spaced in my building - a terrace and a basement with a tv + quiet study area
i always use the basement to study so i'm not completely shut in my room the whole time (and i'm paying for it so why not) but the only times i've seen people down there is when they are going in and out of the laundry room. i do recommend hanging out in any social spaces your building offers - that way you can hopefully meet and introduce yourself to some people
however, i am not totally isolated - i've made friends with people who are on my course. if you do decide to stick with the studio i'd definitely recommend finding out if there is a group chat on instagram, snapchat, whatsapp or whatever for your course (sometimes unis use things like unibuddy which will have different group chats you can join) so you know you do have people to talk to + interact with
i have a friend who is in a shared kitchen flat at a different uni and she hardly left her room to eat in the first weeks and spent ages trying to figure out if anyone was in there before she went in -- i would *definitely* recommend having a think about whether or not you are really anxious around new people/environments. if you are maybe a studio is the way to go - that being said, it does get easier. she now enters the kitchen with confidence
all in all i really do prefer it to sharing a kitchen - i get my own space + i can keep it clean without having to worry about nightmare flatmates. and i can have a dance while i cook 🙃
i hope this all made sense and if you have any other questions/things clarifying please message me!!
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