Dispelling the myths on making friends at uni

No matter what stage of life we’re in, it’s not always easy to make new friends. Heading to uni comes with a lot of worries, including how to make friends and avoid being lonely or the ‘odd one out’.

At the end of the day, everyone is different. You might make friends with everyone on your course. You might hate your flat but love the friends you made by joining a society. You may even only make a couple of friends. Or you could get to the end of uni and still prefer your friends from back home.

Here, we’ll help you make the best of the uni experience. We’ll help you learn how to make friends at uni, with tips on what you can do to find some pals right from the off.

Join a club or society

No matter what you’re into, there is sure to be a club or society for it! Think about what you’re interested in, whether it’s a sport, DJing, or even crocheting! Then, take a look at what clubs and societies already exist and see if you can join.

It’s worth noting that some clubs and societies come with a small membership fee depending on the activities included. But it’s definitely worth it for the memories you’ll make with your new pals.

Get an on-campus job

Getting a job on campus can help you meet new people, while also bringing in a little extra income. From cafés and shops to the library or gym, there are plenty of work opportunities at university that can support a steady social life.

You’ll meet people doing the same job as you, as well as plenty of others coming through the doors. You could even try your hand at brand ambassadorship, which can work wonders for meeting people. Plus, if you’re good at it, you might even be able to get a permanent job with the brand after graduation.

Have meals with your flatmates

Ok, we’re not talking ‘Come Dine with Me’ style dinners here, although that could be a pretty fun way to learn more about people. Making time to eat and socialise with your flatmates is a great way to understand each other better and find out whether you have any common ground to form a friendship on.

Your flatmates are likely to be the first people you meet at uni, as well as those you’ll spend a lot of time with, so it’s really beneficial to get to know them. Whether you grab a few snacks while you’re unpacking or meet in the kitchen for a cook-off, bonding over food is a great way to make new friends at uni.

Connect on socials

It doesn’t matter which university you’re headed to, there will be tonnes of social groups and forums for it. Before you even set off for uni, it’s worth joining these groups to start meeting people and finding out what’s what. You’ll likely find groups for everything, from halls and societies to hobbies and your specific course.

Several universities also set up Facebook groups for Freshers in readiness for Freshers’ Week. These groups can be a good opportunity to chat with others and learn where the best places for meeting others will be when term starts.

You don’t have to stop at groups either. There will be lots of students in the same position as you and looking to make new friends. So once you’ve found people you gel with in groups or people doing your course, you can always add them as a friend and carry on the conversation there.

Use friendship apps

There is an app for absolutely everything nowadays, including friendship apps. They’re a bit like dating apps but specifically for people looking to make new friends.

With friendship apps, you have the opportunity to put yourself out there and find people with similar interests to you. Of course, this can be a little daunting at first, but just remember everyone is in the same boat and looking to make connections.

How long does it take to make friends at uni?

While there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends when you arrive at uni, it’s not always a breeze for everyone. Remember though, university isn’t just about those first few weeks, and it’s possible to make friends at almost every stage of your university journey.

Much like friendships during your teenage years, you’ll find friends will come and go. But there is always an opportunity to meet new people and find those you can build lasting connections with.

After Freshers' Week

After the craziness of Freshers’ Week, things may simmer down for a little bit. For many who haven’t made new friends during that time, it can feel like a wasted opportunity or that you’ve missed your chance. However, there will still be plenty going on that provides a chance to make friendships.

You’ll start getting into your studying a little more now, providing the chance to get to know your classmates a little better. Plus, you might be in your room more than you were during Freshers’ Week, giving you time to bond with your flatmates.

Once Freshers’ Week is over, you can still follow many of our other tips for making new friends at uni. Join a club or society, find a job on campus, or use social media to build relationships with others.

In second year (or beyond)

When it comes to your second or third year at uni, you might find that friends you made in year one have drifted or you’ve outgrown them. Or it could be that you’re still looking for that tight-knit group of friends you can hang out with regularly. Even when your first year is complete, making new friendships is completely possible.

As for how to make friends at uni in your second year, the advice remains largely the same. But don’t be afraid to meet people in other year groups too, you’d be surprised how many friendships are built across different year groups and levels of study.

Start by thinking about what you want from a friendship and what interests you, then join clubs or societies that resonate. You could even strike up a conversation or two with students doing the same course as you who are either in their first year or the year above.

When living at home

If you’ve decided to keep your roots and save some money, you might find you’re a little restricted in how to make new friends at uni when living at home. But this is not always the case.

You can still join clubs and societies, and you can even still get an on-campus job at university. These all offer excellent opportunities for meeting new people and never underestimate the power of a friendship from within your class or study group. If you live close to uni, you may even have an advantage. There will be many students from far and wide travelling to a new location they’ve never been to before, and you could be the tour guide they need to get to know their new locale.

Of course, not being with your new friends all the time might make you feel a little ‘out of the loop’ but it could also mean your time together is more special. After all, they say absence makes the heart grow fonder!

If you don't drink

If Freshers’ Week is approaching and you don’t drink, it can be a daunting time. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make new friends or have a good time. In fact, rates of alcohol among 16-24 year olds are actually falling, so you’re unlikely to be the odd one out.

Being a non-drinker is also much less obvious than it used to be, especially with plenty of new and exciting alcohol-free drinks available. Don’t be pressured into drinking and stick to your guns, have a good time, and enjoy the sober conversations you have with people who resonate with you.

Making new friends at uni takes effort, and often, it will take longer than you think. By doing hobbies that you genuinely like and putting yourself out there to meet people, you’re more likely to find others to connect with that will vastly improve your university experience.

If you’re not quite there yet with the friendships that you’d like to form, or if you’re starting to feel lonely at times, you’re not alone. Many people go through the same feelings and experiences when they go to university. To help, there are several wellbeing resources and support services available to help you through the next steps of your journey.

Remember…

• Facebook groups are the perf icebreaker before you meet face-to-face

• Where you live has no impact on making friends

• Extra-curricular activities such as Societies, Daytime Events and Sports Clubs should be taken advantage of

• Say YES

• Organising sober activities is a great way to socialise and get to know people