Starting university and immersing yourself in a completely new environment can be daunting—especially if you haven’t yet found your circle. But don’t worry, here are a few tips to help you connect with more people and feel more at home!
- Join a “supported social groups”
Student Support offers a variety of support groups aimed at helping students who may be feeling lonely to connect with others and become part of a community. One of these groups is the Social Networking Group, which holds weekly sessions designed to help students meet new people and make friends.
Each session includes activities, but they’re completely optional—so there’s no pressure to join in if you’re not feeling up for it. If you’re feeling isolated and want to meet someone new, feel free to drop by. You never know—you might just find someone you really click with!
- It’s never too late to join a society or sports club
This tip might seem obvious, but it's worth emphasising: it’s never too late to join a community. Some students think they’ve missed their chance if they didn’t sign up during Fresher’s Week, but that’s not the case! Don’t let that stop you from getting involved.
If you’re interested in a society, it means you already share something in common with the people there, so there’s no need to worry about “getting a head start.” Just relax, show up to the socials or activities, and you’ll likely meet people you connect with. It’s all about finding your people—there’s always time for that! This also apply to sports club, they are all available socially for total beginners. If you would like to explore new hobbies or interest, you can also try out and explore the sports club and meet some new people along the way.
- Volunteering
Aside from joining a society, volunteering is another awesome way to meet new people. Volunteers usually have hearts of gold, so you’ll probably connect with some really kind and lovely individuals.
You can explore volunteering opportunities through The SU—whether it’s student-run groups like the V Team or RAG, or opportunities posted on the SU page for off-campus organizations.
It’s a rewarding way to make new friends while giving back!
- Getting a part-time job
When you start a job, you’ll likely spend several hours with your co-workers during each shift. This provides a great opportunity to get to know each other and discover common interests.
The SU page advertises various work opportunities, including roles provided by the university—like working in campus stores or as a student ambassador—as well as positions with external organizations. Be sure to check them out! Not only will you have the chance to meet new people, but you could also earn some extra money to support your finances!
- Who to talk to when struggling?
Our university offers the Student Support Advice Service , where you can discuss anything on your mind. Whether you’re struggling to adjust to university life, feeling lonely, or unsure about friendships they’re here to help.
You can meet with an advisor in person, over the phone, or online—whatever works best for you. If you’re looking for someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out to this valuable service!
To sum it up!
We know it can feel overwhelming when you can’t find your community in a new environment, but it’s never too late to explore new opportunities to connect with others. The people you’ll click with might be just around the corner! Check out our tips and give a few a try. Best of luck in finding your people!
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