Making Friends at University

We’re Holly and Erin, two of your Residence Life Assistants. From our own experiences, we know making friends at university can be nerve-wracking. We wanted to share our top tips for making friends at university, and overcoming any initial nervousness you might be feeling.

Go to events

A great way to meet new people when you first arrive at university is to go to the events in your accommodation. These range from pizza parties to outdoor cinemas and are the perfect opportunity to meet other people in your halls. While it may be daunting at first to go alone, everyone is in the same boat and wants to make friends too.

Say hi to your neighbours

If you're living in student accommodation, your flatmates are a great place to start when trying to find your people and they’re great to attend fairs and events with if you’re worried about going alone. You could also knock on the doors of the flats above, below and maybe opposite yours. Not only will this make you feel more at home within your accommodation community, but it can also be a relaxed and informal way to make new friends in your block.

Join a society

Student groups are an amazing way to meet like-minded people, whether this is a hobby or interest you've had for years or a chance to explore something new at university. We have over 300 student groups, societies and associations to explore! Most groups will run ‘have a go’ sessions during Welcome Week so I would really recommend attending as many as you can, even if you never go again.

It might not happen overnight

While some people find friends that they click with instantly, it’s completely normal if it takes a little longer. Although it’s natural to do so, avoid comparing your position to those around you and to what you see on social media. Remember that social media is a highlight reel, and that everyone is going through ups and downs too.

Second year housing

Don't rush! This is always our biggest tip because we don't want you to sign something you're unsure about or with people you might not stay close to. You have time, lots of people panic in the first semester to try and sort out second-year housing but it’s much better to wait and see who you would really live well with. It might be that you don't meet your best friends until after Christmas and there will still be houses waiting for you.

Here to help

If you’d like to have a chat about anything related to your student life, Residence Life Wellbeing is here to support you. Our office in Shackleton (next to the Duck and Scholar) is open for you to drop into from Monday to Friday, 4-8pm. Or you can drop us an email to residencelife@guild.bham.ac.uk.

By Holly and Erin.