University is an exciting period of your life, and a lot of the experience is shaped by the people you surround yourself with. As we get closer and closer to the new academic year beginning, you may be nervous about starting university somewhere new and finding ways to get along with people. Here are some tips to get you started!
Before arriving
Social Media Accounts
Almost every single university has an unofficial account that is designed for people to meet others. These accounts often post pictures and descriptions (so that you can remain anonymous but still get your answers) of freshers who message them.
Look up your university’s name followed by “freshers” on Instagram or Facebook. You’re likely to meet people from your course, and even from different universities in the same city! Use this as a platform to DM people from your course, and you’re likely to find someone to go to lectures with before you even get there!
If you use TikTok, uni content is probably already hitting your feed thanks to the algorithm, maybe drop a comment and see if you can find people that way too.
WhatsApp Groups
The Instagram accounts might also link WhatsApp communities and groupchats in their bios, so keep an eye out. There are often groups for your year, your course, and even your accommodation.
Websites like The Student Room also have forum spaces where people from the same university come together to create group chats. This is often how people get to know others in their accommodation, and I can personally vouch for its effectiveness.
A few warnings
These methods are often very effective at putting you in touch with new people, however, do be mindful of your online safety and be sure to stop conversation if you ever feel uncomfortable. Some bots have also found ways to get access to these groups too, but much like the spam accounts you can find on Instagram they are usually very easy to spot, they tend to have handles labelled like ‘Assignment Help’ and promote services – so try to avoid any account that looks a bit suspicious.
Once you get there
Be open!
While this is definitely easier said than done, it is important to be open to new experiences. Your first week in uni is the best time to discover what you enjoy and what you don’t, so try your best to say yes to everything you’re invited to.
Keep an eye out for official events
Your accommodation, faculty, and the university in general are likely to run events throughout the year. Keep an eye out for emails, posters around campus, or your students’ union website and social media! Events may range from movie nights, free pizza, or even pub quizzes.
Join a society
As cliché as it sounds, joining a society is the best way to make friends from across the university. You get the opportunity to meet people with the same interest who may be from different courses and year groups.
Strike up conversation
Depending on the type of accommodation you choose, you will get plenty of opportunities to meet people. Shared areas like a kitchen or common living space are great to strike up conversations and create great friendships, or even just someone to chat with while you make yourself some tea.
There are many different ways through which you can connect with people in uni, but these are just a few examples to get you started. If you’re still looking for your perfect accommodation, check out Accommodation for Students.
