How to make friends at University

Studying away from home you’ll have plenty of opportunities to meet likeminded students and you won’t be the only one in search of new friends. Here are some tips to help you get started and begin meeting new people and forming different friendship groups.

Be Yourself 
Pretending to be someone you’re not won’t make you the most popular person on campus. People are drawn to confidence and authenticity, so always be true to yourself. If you’d rather spend the weekend at home than going out partying, don’t bother hiding that aspect of your personality. 

While it’s important to make an effort to meet people, there’s no point adopting a whole new persona. Keeping up the charade will be exhausting, and you could wind up with a social circle you have nothing in common in. Remember that making friends at uni is an awkward process for many people and it’s perfectly normal to feel slightly inadequate. Rather than putting on an act, be patient and aware of your social limits.  

Find Your Community 
If you’re struggling to meet classmates with common interests, consider signing up for extracurricular activities. From environmental activism to sporting teams, most tertiary institutions have groups to suit a wide range of interests. If your university doesn’t cater for the activity you’re interested in, why not start your own group? Being a founding member of a popular club or society is a great way to make long-lasting connections with likeminded students.

UniLodge comes with a built-in community of students, providing you with plenty of social opportunities.  

Put Yourself Out There 
Forming friendships can take time, but don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Begin with the basics, such as introducing yourself, starting conversations, and attending social events. You might feel a bit awkward at first, especially if you’re not the most outgoing person. Rest assured that talking to your classmates will become easier over time even if you’re extremely shy.

Once you’ve made your first couple of friends, the hard part’s over. Join those friends at functions and your social circle will grow naturally. Don’t be scared to make the first move in social settings and show initiative by keeping in contact with new acquaintances. 

Seek Support 
If you’re feeling weighed down by the pressure to make friends at uni, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Moving away from home to study is a big adjustment and the process of settling in can take its toll on your mental health. Many universities provide counselling services for students, so support is available. Contact your university to find out more about student support services. 

Living at a UniLodge can take some of the stress out of making friends, since you’ll be surrounded by a vibrant student community.

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