How to meet people at Bristol Uni?

2

Hey yall I am a first year at uni of bristol, but I dont really know many people from here that aren't from my accommodation or course - how do I meet new people? I know i should join societies but I do not know which ones to join either :frown:

any advice greatly appreciated or if anyone wants to talk to :smile:

Reply 1

University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Official Rep

15

Original post

by KeyboardChairman

Hey yall I am a first year at uni of bristol, but I dont really know many people from here that aren't from my accommodation or course - how do I meet new people? I know i should join societies but I do not know which ones to join either :frown:

any advice greatly appreciated or if anyone wants to talk to :smile:

Heya! (:

not from bristol myself lol, but with it being close to the city like my uni im guessing quite a similar vibe 😊 - as you were mentioning, societies are fab for meeting new people - your uni might have these listed on their website, defo worth having a look to see if any interest you, same goes with any sort of sport clubs/scoieties - there might also be some local ones outwith the univeristy (:

I also made some friends in my city from my part time job here, that sort of thing is always great for meeting new people (: - same goes with any voluentry roles or random events, i helpout with open days & things around campus and have met a bunch of really nice people through that 🤗

just generally having a look around your area for local events too (:

Emily
Year 3, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep

Reply 2

KeyboardChairman

OP

2

Original post

by University of Strathclyde Student Ambassador

Heya! (:
not from bristol myself lol, but with it being close to the city like my uni im guessing quite a similar vibe 😊 - as you were mentioning, societies are fab for meeting new people - your uni might have these listed on their website, defo worth having a look to see if any interest you, same goes with any sort of sport clubs/scoieties - there might also be some local ones outwith the univeristy (:
I also made some friends in my city from my part time job here, that sort of thing is always great for meeting new people (: - same goes with any voluentry roles or random events, i helpout with open days & things around campus and have met a bunch of really nice people through that 🤗
just generally having a look around your area for local events too (:
Emily
Year 3, Chemistry
Official University Of Strathclyde Rep

hey thanks for the reply, I suppose youre right but there arent any societies which I am ready to join just yet tbh, I dont have the skills required for some of them and others have a fee which I do not want to pay in case I end up not liking it

as for other ways, I also do not know how to find social activities

its so much easier on paper than in reality

Reply 3

University of Salford Student Rep

Official Rep

13

Original post

by KeyboardChairman

Hey yall I am a first year at uni of bristol, but I dont really know many people from here that aren't from my accommodation or course - how do I meet new people? I know i should join societies but I do not know which ones to join either :frown:

any advice greatly appreciated or if anyone wants to talk to :smile:

Heya!

In terms of societies, quite often you can attend an event or two without signing up for a membership so this gives you a bit more flexibility. I've tried a fair few over the years, now that I'm at the end of third year I really regret not joining ones where I could do activities that will be harder for me to try not at university plus find a friend to potentially try them with me. The great thing about uni is you can just show up to things without knowing anyone and often be surrounded by others in the same situation. I really wish I'd joined the archery and equestrian societies if that gives you some inspiration, anything that's a bit different is a great opportunity 😊 my friend has also really loved joining the tennis society as a complete newbie and found it a good ice breaker with others who were also new!

I've also found I've made my closest friends and really found 'my people' much later on in my uni journey, it can take time and I think this can be quite common. Taking advantage of any opportunities that come up is the best way, really just saying yes to anything you can and see where it takes you. Working as a Student Ambassador has helped me find some great friends with similar attitudes to me and given us something in common. I've also met lots of likeminded friends on my course through different research opportunities where we've grouped together. Anything where you're grouped together with a common goal is a good way to make friends I'd found. Don't be afraid to suggest grabbing a drink or some food after doing stuff together too, it's great to debrief and destress after working at something and build up them friendships 😄

Becky
University of Salford Student Rep

Reply 4

Scotland Yard

Volunteer Team, Clearing and Applications Advisor

20

Original post

by KeyboardChairman

hey thanks for the reply, I suppose youre right but there arent any societies which I am ready to join just yet tbh, I dont have the skills required for some of them and others have a fee which I do not want to pay in case I end up not liking it

as for other ways, I also do not know how to find social activities

its so much easier on paper than in reality

You might think that you don't have the skills, but you might not need them anyway. The debate society at my university accepts people regardless of debating skill or ability - all you need is willingness to participate! The sports societies also tend to have tiers to reflect different levels of skills, from the pros to the absolute beginners. I admittedly don't know what societies you want to join, but I'm 99.99% certain that this not having the required skills is more in your head than anything else :smile:

Fees to join societies tend to be cheap. At any rate, they wouldn't necessarily stop me from joining one. Many societies will also let you go to them once without a membership to try it out, particularly if you ask nicely

Reply 5

LJMUStudentReps

Official Rep

19

Original post

by KeyboardChairman

Hey yall I am a first year at uni of bristol, but I dont really know many people from here that aren't from my accommodation or course - how do I meet new people? I know i should join societies but I do not know which ones to join either :frown:

any advice greatly appreciated or if anyone wants to talk to :smile:

Hi,

While I’m not at Bristol Uni, I’d definitely recommend trying out a few societies based on your interests. Most universities have loads of beginner-friendly societies where people join just to meet others. Sports clubs, cultural societies, volunteering groups, and hobby societies (like film, gaming, etc.) are usually really welcoming to new members.

You could also try checking if your Students’ Union runs social events, talking to people before or after lectures and suggesting grabbing a coffee or lunch together, or attending casual events like quizzes, game nights, or study groups.

The first few months can feel a bit awkward, and you’re definitely not the only one trying to expand your circle. Sometimes it just takes going to a few different things before you find what’s best for you.

Hope this helps, and I’m sure you’ll meet more people soon!

Tayba
Student Rep

Reply 6

ErasistratusV

21

Societies, sit in the numerous cafes/bar or join study groups.

(edited 1 month ago)

How to meet people at Bristol Uni?

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