Freshers and halls of residence

Delz67

How difficult or easy is it for solo students in their first year to make friends? Are their cliques and groups?

Reply 1

McGinger

Read - Freshers' week: What I wish I knew before going to university - BBC News

Reply 2

Delz67

Original post

by McGinger

Read - Freshers' week: What I wish I knew before going to university - BBC News

Good read. Thanks

Reply 3

Kingston Grace

Official Rep

Original post

by Delz67

How difficult or easy is it for solo students in their first year to make friends? Are their cliques and groups?

Hello @Delz67

So many people start uni without knowing anyone else there, so everyone is really in the same boat trying to make friends.

I would say try and make friends in lots of different ways like on your course, in societies, at a part time job rather than just relying on the people you are living with. You will meet lots of different people and might not click instantly, it takes time to build great friendships so be patient and try not to compare yourself to others.

From my experience I feel those I lived with in halls where great friends for the first few months as I feel we all didn't know lots of people yet and so spent time with each other. Then as time went on we all found our own friends. It's definitely very much a place will you will, find 'friends for a reason' and 'friends for a season' and that's okay. It's great to meet and get to know a range of people.

Even I second year I was still making new friends, becoming better friends with people from first year and loosing contact with others. It's just a process that I assume will continue throughout my whole time at university.

I hope this helps give an idea of what it is like, its not the same for everyone but lots of people are in the same situation :smile:

-Grace (Kingston Rep)

Reply 4

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post

by Delz67

How difficult or easy is it for solo students in their first year to make friends? Are their cliques and groups?

Hey @Delz67

Thank you for your question. And I totally relate because I remember wondering the same thing before my first year. But if I am being completely honest, it is nowhere near as scary as it seems! And this is literally because we are all feeling the same way, so it is all about who is courageous enough to make that first move then BOOM, a friendship blossoms.

Okay so it may not be that quick 😂 but it certainly is that easy. Showing up is really important though. And this starts from showing up to class and just displaying a warm smile. I always say the easiest people to initially befriend, are those you are studying the same course with because you already have that in common!

I also always saying joining societies or sports clubs is another great way to make friends. It serves as a great past time activity as well as meeting new people who you share that similar interest with. This can also be extended over to public spaces, shared kitchens and essentially where there are people. Remember, some people are just as shy, worried or nervous so making that first move can really go a long way.

Maybe the first person you talk to will not become your best friend, but you find that overtime, the more you put yourself out there and you are friendly; you can make loads of friends in your first year.

I hope this helps, and if you need any more advice feel free to let me know.

Ru
BCU student rep.