Tips for Making Friends At University

Join Facebook groups

Before you make the move to university, ensure you join the private Facebook group set up for your new accommodation. This is a great way to virtually meet those living in your building before you arrive! Comment on the posts within the group and add those that you get chatting to. 

Hang out in the social areas

At true, we have a huge range of social areas for you to use, so once you've finished unpacking be sure to pop downstairs and see what's going on in the Festival Zone. Be confident and introduce yourself to the other residents hanging out in these areas. Remember, the majority of people are in the same position as you and just want to make friends! Sometimes all it takes is a simple  'Hey, you just moved in?' or 'What course you studying?' before the conversation naturally starts flowing. Putting yourself out there can be daunting, but it's so worth it.

Join a society

Perhaps you're a keen netball player or fancy learning a new language? What better way to make friends at university than enrolling in a society? It's a great way to meet like-minded students that share the same interests as you. You can generally find out about all the societies your university has to offer by attending Freshers Fair. Most societies will also have a Facebook or Instagram page for you to have a stalk of and see what they get up to! Our true student ambassador Niamh wrote a blog on why joining a society is the one of the best things you can do at uni - read it here.

Sit next to people in lectures

Turning up to a big scary lecture theatre for the first time can be overwhelming and you can easily decide that the best option is to sit on your own. But, if you want to make friends you should try and sit next to other students and introduce yourself. You might even end up with a lifelong bestie! Or at least someone to attend class with or bump into on nights out...

Organise a study group

A study group is an ideal opportunity to get to know others on your course. Invite those from your seminar and lecture groups, it's a great way to be sociable and even better for study tips!