How to make friends at uni
University is the perfect place to meet new people and make lifelong friends. Many students take this exciting time to explore different hobbies and meet interesting people along the way.
But being in a strange place and trying to meet new people can be scary. If you’re wondering how to find friends at university, we’ve got you covered. Read our guide on how to put yourself out there and make some friends at uni.
Join Facebook groups
Facebook is a great social media platform for discovering local groups. Nowadays, many Facebook groups are created for specific universities, neighbourhoods, and groups of people, like students.
Search for Facebook groups associated with your new uni and see what meet-ups and events get talked about. You’re bound to find other students who live nearby and have similar interests to yours.
Besides Facebook, there are a couple of apps to make friends, including Yubo, Bumble BFF and Meetup. Try these to meet like-minded people in your area.
Attend Freshers’ Week events
Uni Freshers Week - also known as ‘welcome week’ - usually takes place at the beginning of the academic year and is an opportune time to join fun clubs and activities.
It’s also a hub for meeting and chatting with new students. Fun events, quizzes, tours and parties are often hosted during Freshers Week, making it the perfect place to strike up a conversation with somebody.
Join university clubs and societies
If you’re wondering how to make friends in university, joining clubs and societies is a solid method. Taking part in an activity as a group is a good way to break the ice and engage with like-minded people.
Take a look at what’s on offer at your uni - you may be surprised to find activities you wouldn’t ordinarily get involved in, like painting, hiking, beekeeping or rowing.
Hang out in the social spaces
If you’re staying in student accommodation like iQ, you’ll likely have social spaces that you can relax in with other residents. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbours by striking up a conversation.
If you’re living with other students, don’t be scared to chat with your flatmates. They’ve likely also moved away from home for the first time and are also looking to make some friends.
Make plans with your coursemates
Where better to make friends than at your lectures? You already know that you share an interest in the course subject, so try chatting with some of your coursemates and see whether you could be friends.
To break the ice, try sitting next to somebody new each time you have a lecture and asking questions about the topic being presented (not while your lecturer is speaking though).
Get a job on-campus
A part-time job is great for meeting different people and earning some money.
Some common part-time jobs for students include tutoring, retail assistant, barista, server, or bookseller. Plus, if you get a job on campus, you’re sure to meet other students.
Get your CV ready and visit some local hotspots to inquire about job openings. You can also look at local job boards or search online via LinkedIn or Indeed.
FAQs about how to make friends at uni
Is it normal to struggle to make friends at uni?
It’s completely normal to struggle to make friends at uni. As a matter of fact, you can follow tons of tips on how to make new friends and still find it tricky.
Uni is a new environment and it may take some time to really settle in. It’s also natural to feel nervous about meeting new people and you may start to feel lonely or homesick, especially if you’ve moved away from friends and family.
How to make friends at university if you’re shy
You might be asking yourself, how do I make friends when I’m shy? Not everyone is an extrovert, and for those who are more on the shy side, talking to new people can be kind of daunting.
To meet new people you’ve got to get out of your comfort zone a little. You can start small and attend events hosted during Freshers Week or join a club where you can learn a new skill at the same time.
Try your best to engage in conversions, share your interests and be open to meeting people from all walks of life and backgrounds.
How to make friends at uni if you don’t drink
There are many ways to make friends in places that don’t involve alcohol. For example, you can join a sports club or take art classes. If you’d like to avoid parties where alcohol is served, opt for fun coffee dates instead.
Side note: Don’t feel the pressure to have a drink while at parties or other uni events - being sober is a lot more common than you think and the right people will be open to you being yourself.
Is it normal to lose friends at university?
Yes, it can be normal to lose friends at university. Sometimes people drift apart or realise they don’t have much in common after the first meeting. Don’t beat yourself up about it!
A good way to make new friends is by getting involved in your student community. If you’re an iQ resident - this is pretty easy. Visit our iQ Life page to see how you can get involved in iQ events and clubs.
