How To Make Friends At Uni During Freshers

Going to university and meeting new people can be a daunting process for some. If you've found yourself frantically looking for advice on how to make friends at uni, TOTUM has got you covered.

This might be the first time you're away from both your home and your friends that you've had since secondary school, so you're bound to feel apprehensive.

Some people aren't lucky enough to live with their future BFFs straight away, so we're giving you some sure-fire ways to make some new pals.

Whether you're moving out or commuting from home, here are our five simple tips for making new friends at university.

Join Societies

This seems like a good place to start.

Universities have literally hundreds of societies with people from all walks of life, so you're bound to meet at least one or two people you click with.

Whether you're into hockey or you're looking for a new book club, it's almost guaranteed you'll find the right group for you.

At first it can seem a bit of a chore having to regularly go to meetings and events by yourself but once you've found your people it'll make it more fun.

If you're uncertain on which is the right society for you, it's useful to know that during freshers week many societies run free taster sessions for you to try before you decide whether to join - make the most of them!

Go To Freshers' Events

There will be loads of events happening at the beginning of the year so try to throw yourself into as much as possible (don't overdo it!) for optimum friend-meeting opportunities.

Your new university will have everything from freshers’ fairs to nights out at the union, to guided campus tours and even possible IKEA trips for your new flat to make it feel like home (although if not, remember to make the most of our incredible student discounts on all things homeware).

Remember, there are ample opportunities to make friends at uni outside of clubbing, so if nights out aren't for you that's absolutely fine.

There will be countless daytime events going on during freshers which will give you the chance to mingle with likeminded people.

If you're feeling anxious about how to start up a conversation with somebody new, remember that people (generally) like to chat about themselves and their interests, so if you're worried about potential awkward silences you can keep the conversation flowing by asking questions.

One user on The Student Room forum spoke about how they began making friends at uni, explaining: "Since these people were practically strangers there's so much I don't know about them. "What's their degree? Why did they choose it? Why this uni? Where else did they apply? What's their after uni plans, if any? Are they wanting to do something big at summer? [...] There is just so much to talk about, and I'm happy to sit and listen to everyone's life story as I think nothing's more interesting!" Obviously you don't want to sound like an interviewer, but having a few questions at the ready to spark some conversation is never a bad idea!

Use Existing Connections

If you know that somebody from your hometown is going to the same university as you, get in touch with them!

This way you can ask them to introduce you to their friends and vice versa. 

It doesn't mean you have to completely rely on your existing connections, it can just give you that peace of mind knowing that somebody familiar is there who might be able to get you mingling with more people.

If you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours comes to mind...

Go to Your Course Induction & Faculty Events

So you know the reason you went to university was to actually get a degree, right? OK good, glad we're still on the same page.

You may have gone out the night before with your flatmates for Freshers' Week, but you're going to be with the people on your course for the next three or four years so it's best to try and make a good impression! 

It's also a good time to meet your lecturers and tutors before you properly start.

As tempting as it might be to miss your course induction thanks to a nasty hangover, get some Berocca down you and soldier on! This is a great way to make friends at uni.

Similarly, most faculties will host some freshers' events within the first month, giving you the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to other freshers studying on your course as well as professors and older students.

Older students can really help to offer you fresh insight and advice, after all they were in your shoes just a short time ago. Take advantage of this by asking for some recommendations, whether that's course related or based on your new city/town.

Join Facebook Groups

It might take a while to find the appropriate ones and you may get frustrated at all of the notifications popping up on your phone, but it will be worth it once you've found some friends for life! Comment on relevant posts, message people or add them as friends as you see appropriate.

If you see somebody you think you might get along with, put yourself out there and introduce yourself to them when you meet IRL.

At the very least, there'll be some familiar faces at uni when you arrive.

How To Make Friends At Uni When Living At Home

Finally, one that thousands of students struggle with when making the decision to commute to university from home - will I still make friends at uni if I don't move away?

Whilst it may be tougher to see uni friends as often as you might like (depending on how far your commute is), it is 100% possible to make friends when living at home!

Remember, you'll still be going to the same course inductions as those who are living in student halls or a house share, and you'll still have access to the exact same fresher's events - just make sure to schedule some time and flexibility into your days to make sure you can attend them!

Who knows, if you make pals with someone living in halls, you might be able to stay on their couch sometimes post-night out and enjoy the benefits of uni living without the hassle - win-win!

When thinking about making friends at university, above all just remember to be yourself and enjoy.

Check out some of our other student guides to prepare you for uni life:

• Handy Tips On How To Deal With Homesickness At Uni

• Is It Better To Move Out For University?

• Do Students Need A TV Licence?

• University Students' Guide: How To Study Abroad

• Do Students Pay Council Tax?