How can I make friends and socialize in a degree apprenticeship?

2

Hi guys, I'm in a weird situation where I have skipped first year of university as I had a prior qualification which covered the units required for passing first year(aside from one) and I'm really struggling to socialize with people as most people have
already split up into their own little groups. Also, I am the only person at university with my employer so I have nobody from the workplace to talk to. I'm struggling even striking up conversations with people even in the only year 1 subject as they're in "employer groups" (A phrase i came up with then) and only really socialize between themselves.
I'm stumped and I really don't want my university life to be pretty bleak with being alone every single day of the year. Any advice from people in similar situations who've managed to overcome the 'Difficulties' of being a introvert and met people?

Thanks!

Reply 1

Rdv6767

OP

2

Just a quick note: I'm at Manchester met university.

Reply 2

LancashireRep5

Official Rep

9

Original post

by Rdv6767

Hi guys, I'm in a weird situation where I have skipped first year of university as I had a prior qualification which covered the units required for passing first year(aside from one) and I'm really struggling to socialize with people as most people have
already split up into their own little groups. Also, I am the only person at university with my employer so I have nobody from the workplace to talk to. I'm struggling even striking up conversations with people even in the only year 1 subject as they're in "employer groups" (A phrase i came up with then) and only really socialize between themselves.
I'm stumped and I really don't want my university life to be pretty bleak with being alone every single day of the year. Any advice from people in similar situations who've managed to overcome the 'Difficulties' of being a introvert and met people?
Thanks!

Hey there👋

My name is Siobhan and I’m a recent graduate from the University of Lancashire 🎓 I totally get where you’re coming from and I’m sorry to hear that you’re struggling right now! I want to assure you that there are plenty of options for you to make friends and you don’t have to get it sorted out straight away! I actually didn’t meet one of my closest friends til year 3, so I wouldn’t stress too much about getting it all sorted ASAP. Here are some things you could try to make friends at uni other than in your course and through your workplace:

Societies and sports clubs: You could look at your university's sports clubs or societies and see if there's any that you might enjoy. They typically do social nights out so that could be a great way to make new friends! From doing this, you can meet up with people who have similar interests to you and this can make conversation starters easier! Info on this is normally on your uni's student union so I would have a browse there.

Uni events: Your uni might do some social events such as Halloween, Christmas events etc! I remember my uni did a small winter wonderland once and I got to meet new people through this. It was never wrecking at first but worth it meeting loads of new interesting people!

You could also look at social media and connect to people through there! You could find people in groups who are doing your course or again have similar interests as you. It's also a great way to keep track of any events going on there.

In terms of people on your course, you can always start conversations with questions such as “how are you finding this topic” or “what made you want to do this course”, which is a great way to get to know your peers more! Or you could also go up to a group and start by introducing who you are and where you’re from! It seems scary at first but gets easier the more you do it 😊

And remember to not be too hard on yourself!!! Socialising with new people will take time to build, especially when everyone else seems to be in groups already. The fact that you’re thinking about it and reaching out shows you’re already making the effort, and that will pay off!

I hope this has helped at all and please let me know if you have any questions at all!

Siobhan (University of Lancashire Rep)

How can I make friends and socialize in a degree apprenticeship?

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