It’s only natural to be worried about making new friends when you start university.
Moving away from home and from the pals you’ve probably known most of your life can be daunting, but the most important thing to remember is that everyone is in the same boat, and that means everyone is looking for a new friendship group.
If you are in university accommodation, leave your door open while moving in. This will make it easier for people to approach you. These are the fellow students you will see every day, and while it’s not guaranteed they will automatically become firm friends, being friendly and approachable will make a big difference.
Making everyone in your flat a cuppa or having some biscuits or chocolates to offer around can be a great way to break the ice. Whatever you do, don’t just sit in your room by yourself, make sure you are giving yourself plenty of opportunities to make friends by attending activities around the campus.
Whether it’s the kitchen or lounge, spend time in the communal rooms in your accommodation. Having a communal meal is a great way to get everyone out of their bedrooms and having fun together.
There will be plenty of chances to meet other people through any clubs or societies you join. Joining clubs and societies at the start of university means you will have lots of chances to meet other like-minded people.
When you go to your first lecture make sure to say hello and introduce yourself to the people sat around you. Come up with some general questions to get people talking, such as “What course are you doing?” or “Where do you come from?” Rather than sitting in silence, be brave and be the one to make the first move. If it doesn’t work out, then sit somewhere different next time and try again.
But don’t be too hard on yourself if you haven’t met your next best friend by the end of the first week, there is no set rule that says you have to make friends straight away. Give yourself time and friendships will slowly and naturally form.
