I've written quite a few posts about University recently, such as my post about making the most of University, and my graduation series all about life after University.

Today, I want to write a post all about how to make friends at University- and the issues some people face. Making friends is not always easy, and everyone has a different level of socialisation that they feel comfortable with on a day-to-day basis.

I've come up with 4 easy tips to make friends at University. Whether you love mixing with new people or you're terrified about making new friends, these tips can help you make friends at University and feel more comfortable in your new home.

Make friends everywhere

At University it can feel like the only way to make friends is in your accommodation or on your course, but there are actually lots of ways to meet people. If you live on campus, chances are you'll bump into the same people everyday, and there are loads of places you might happen to find someone you like talking to.

This might be the library (it might sound sad, but when you spend everyday there in the run-up to exams, you start to recognise some familiar faces…), the campus bar, your local pub, or even a campus shop. Make friends at University wherever you want.

Chat to mutual friends

In University, it often turns out that one of your friends knows another of your friends, and you realise just how small the campus really is. If you're introduced to a mutual friend that you like, chat to them and meet up with them yourselves.

It'll make it easier to form a friendship group, and it gives you a chance to create more bonds with the people you like.

Four friends stand in a field with their hands entwined to make a heart.
Photo by Melissa Askew on Unsplash

Chat before University

I chatted to a few people that I was going to be living with before I went to University- and it really helped to have a few familiar faces. In fact, one of the girls came to find me after my parents left, and it really helped to know that there was someone I knew I liked before I even moved in.

Try and join any social media groups before the big move, and chat to like-minded people to get a taste of University life and make friends.

Eat with people

One of the best things about my University experience was that it was catered accommodation- meaning all our meals were made for us. This forced us to sit with people when we ate, and it meant no one could hide away in their kitchen. It also made sure I was healthy during this transition period in my life.

Don't get me wrong, it can be daunting sitting with people during meals at first but when everyone is in a new place and doesn't know anyone, you find that most people are open to sit and chat.

It's great to have friends to socialise with over tea, so whether you're in catered accommodation or not I recommend finding people to sit with when you eat, and avoid sitting alone in your room when you can.

Do you have any tips for making friends at University? Do you find it easy to make friends? What are your University tips for new students?

Let me know all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂

Happy reading x

 This post is ad-supported
​