The social component of university is one of the most important parts of the university experience. Many people say the friends they made at university are some of their best friends for life.
While you’re probably eager to get started on making these friends, it can also feel daunting to try and make friends in such a new environment.
The following suggestions are great ways to meet new friends in your first few weeks of university:
Campus Housing
If you decide to live on-campus in a residence, there are plenty of opportunities to meet fellow first year students. Everyone in residence is in the same position as you: leaving home for likely the first time, starting their university experience, and looking to meet people.
The dining hall and common areas are excellent places to casually strike up a conversation with other students. If you prefer more organized activities, your residence leaders will generally organize events to socialize at least monthly, if not weekly or daily!
Be sure to take advantage of these opportunities in your first few days and weeks when you arrive, before you get too busy with school.
Orientation Week
Most schools will host an orientation week for first year students to get to know the campus and meet one another. These generally include some really fun events that make it easy to socialize and make friends.
While Orientation week isn’t usually mandatory, it’s a great way to meet people across a wide range of faculties in a casual environment.
Clubs & Organizations
One of the great things about university is all the possibilities to get involved! There’s a club, team, and organization to match everyone’s passion; from sports teams to debating, investment clubs, and everything in between. Organizations also don’t restrict by academic year, so it’s an opportunity to get to know upper-year students as well.
Joining one of these groups that truly interests you is a great way to meet other like-minded people with similar interests. It also can look great on a CV!
Volunteer
Volunteering in the local community is a wonderful way to integrate yourself into your new home abroad and meet people outside of the university context. If there’s a cause you’re really passionate about, volunteering is also incredibly beneficial for one’s well-being.
Classes
Although it may not be initially obvious, you can actually make friends in your classes! Some courses make this easier than others by requiring group or partner work.
However, even if you’re in a lecture-only class, don’t worry you can still make friends. People tend to gravitate to the same seat or area each time in a class. So, if you’ve been sitting beside someone for a few classes, you can easily begin a conversation by asking questions on the course.