University is a fantastic place to meet people from all walks of life and being part of the student community gives you the perfect opportunity to meet like minded people who could become lifelong frien
If you think moving away from home and living with strangers is a daunting prospect then don’t fear as here at StudentHQ Lettings we have some top tips that will help you make new friends during those first few weeks at university. If you or your friends are still looking for student housing in Lancaster the browse our website and get in touch with our friendly team.
Involve yourself
University offers a near endless choice of events, clubs and societies that you could join. Freshers week provides the perfect opportunity to see what’s on offer and sign up for anything that takes your fancy. Most clubs and societies realise that new students may what to try a few activities before committing and therefore offer a free trial before you officially sign up. This is undoubtedly a great way to meet people with similar interests to you.
Volunteer
If you fancy meeting new like minded people whilst helping a local charity or community group then why not consider volunteering. For information on what’s available in the local area why not call in at your student union. Volunteering also has the added benefit of looking great on your CV!
Get online
Hop online. Your university will almost always have a Facebook page (and there may even be one for your hall or accommodation), where you can find out who else will be joining at the same time as you. Or run a few searches on Twitter – there’s bound to be plenty of people at your new university, on your course, or in the same accommodation as you. Getting to know a few people online before you move to a brand new city can make the transition much easier.
Share a brew with flatmates
Offering to brew up for all your new flatmates in the shared kitchen can be a great way to get to know everyone. If you are feeling particularly generous you could even throw in a packet of biscuits for everyone to share, and you’re well on your way to being the most popular person in the flat before you’ve even unpacked.
Whilst tea would be the sensible option you may want to crack open some beers or a bottle of wine if you fancy getting into the party spirit.
Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to your flatmates
It sounds obvious, but with students turning up at different times, it can be hard to know who’s arrived. If you hear someone arriving why not offer to help them move in or unpack their stuff, that way you can strike up a conversation and get to know them.
You could display photos or your name on the door of your room so that when others arrive they know you have already moved in. Once they realise that you are there they will most likely give you a knock to say hello.
Take along a few games
Games can be great fun whilst having a few drinks before you go out or whilst dissecting your first night out over a cup of tea. Jenga or Articulate can be a great way to get to know the people you’re living with.
Seek out people you already know
Are any of your friends from school or college going to the same university as you? While we wouldn’t recommend hanging around solely with existing friends it can help to seek out friends who may help introduce you to other people.
Hang out in common areas
Whether that’s the shared kitchen of your flat, the student union, or a coffee bar. If you recognise familiar faces, or someone who looks like they are on their own then why not go over and say hello. Before you know it you may have met a new friend!
Create a study group
Why not form a small student study group with a few people on your course. Getting together once or twice a week to go through lecture notes and course material is a fantastic way to get to know fellow students and make new friends. It also gives you the opportunity to share your ideas whilst benefiting from any help others can give you.
Befriend international students
Whilst you are likely to be a bit nervous about starting university it is worth considering how international students will be feeling, after all leaving your family behind to travel to a foreign country is undoubtedly going to be hard, especially if English is not your first language. If there are international students on your course then why not introduce yourself and offer to help them settle in. You never know you might end up making a new friend!
Making a new set of friends might seem daunting now, but it is likely to happen naturally if you just act yourself and follow the simple steps highlighted in this article. It’s important to remember that everyone’s in the same boat as you so don’t be afraid. Dive in with enthusiasm, and after a few weeks you will wonder what you were worried about!
