How to make friends at university

It’s a common concern for new students entering their first year of university – will I make friends there?

If you are worried about making friends then you really don’t have to – the university experience is all about meeting new people: on campus, in your lectures etc. And now things are going back to normal it will be easier to expand your social circle.

Before you even get to uni

Join your university and accommodation’s Facebook groups.

If you live with a student accommodation like Host, you will be able to join a group specifically for your flat so that you can get to know other students who will be living with you. The groups will also have helpful information for when you move in.

Tip! When you finally move into your new student home, offer to help out others who are moving in with you. Ask them questions, or even take a break from unpacking and grab a coffee together.

See what’s going on

There are normally events planned for move in and opportunities for new students to get to know the people living with them. Events like game and movie nights, quizzes, events with local pubs and bars etc.

Join local groups/activities

When you attend lectures, you will meet other students who have chosen to study the same subject as you, mostly because they are passionate about it. This will be a great opportunity to make friends with students who have the same interests as you. Even if that isn’t the case, you will find many different groups and activities at the university, and in the local area. You might not even have to look far for it. Check out what’s going on at the student union.

Alternatively, you can join groups through meetup.com – from nature walks to tennis clubs, all in your local area.

Get a student job

Make money and friends at the same time. Look at our part-time student jobs blog to see what options are available to you when looking into jobs that will fit around your university schedule.

Just put yourself out there

Easier said than done right? It really can be as simple as just striking up a conversation with someone. They’re probably feeling that same hesitation too. Take the plunge and get there first!

Living with Host in September? Follow us on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.

#HostEnvironmentalPledge.
Getting serious about the environment we live in.

To become more ‘environmentally friendly’, Host is launching the #HostEnvironmentalPledge campaign to encourage responsible behaviour and drive sustainability across our sites throughout the UK and Ireland.

It’s a simple campaign! If we can reduce our overall utilities (electric, water and gas) consumption by 1% then we will donate £10,000, 2% reduction means £20,000, 3% is £30,000 and so on, to 3 charities; BulliesOut, Planet Patrol and World Land Trust.

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