Making friends at university when you commute can be quite challenging. You don’t have the safety net of being in halls and making friends with your flatmates. Making friends at university is still important though as it can get quite lonely so I thought I would offer some tips. Let’s get started.
Join online groups before freshers
The majority of student unions, and maybe freshers companies too, will create Facebook groups for freshers for your university. These are a brilliant way to meet people, albeit virtually before you start university. You can introduce yourself, talk about what course you’re doing and where you’re from, as well as talk about any interests you have. Within these groups, you’ll find group chats for courses, interests, and I’ve even seen group chats for those who commute.
Sign up for clubs and societies
Signing up for clubs and societies is probably the best way to make friends at university. It enables you to meet people with similar interests which is great. There are so many clubs and societies out there, such as sports and subject-related societies. You will also find other societies too, such as LGBT+ societies, film societies (Harry Potter for example), TV societies (Rupauls Drag Race for example), and even weird societies like a cheese society.
Attend faculty activities
Faculty activities are a great chance to get to know your coursemates better. Most universities will offer different types, such as meet and greet events that take part at the beginning of the semester, balls, and field trips. You can certainly use these to your advantage to really talk to people.
Say yes to new experiences
I’m going to come at this from a law degree perspective but any opportunities that arise out of your degree, take them. Within my degree, we have had mooting opportunities, which are a good chance to meet new people. I’ve mentioned this previously but field trips are a great chance to meet new people. From my perspective on a law degree, there was an opportunity to go on a trip to the House of Commons and the Supreme Court. These experiences are a great chance to talk with people.
Take advantage of group projects
I can’t lie, group projects are my worst nightmare. However, they are a really good opportunity to meet a variety of people on your course. Make the most of these and talk to people.
I hope this has helped you. Thank you for reading.
Beth
Beth Olivia 