Starting university is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. You might be moving to a new city, living away from home for the first time and meeting more new people than you can remember names for!

It is completely normal to not feel settled straight away. Although Welcome Week can help you meet people, there is no deadline for finding your closest friends. Friendships can develop through your accommodation, course, societies, work and everyday routines throughout the year.

Whether you are naturally outgoing or need a little more time to come out of your shell, these ten simple ideas can help you settle in, start making friends at university, and build genuine connections.

1. Connect with people before you arrive

You don’t necessarily have to wait until move-in day to meet people.

Look out for official group chats or online communities for your accommodation, course, university or Welcome Week. Introducing yourself before you arrive can mean there are already a few familiar names and faces to look out for when term begins.

Keep the information you share online sensible and make sure groups are officially associated with your university or accommodation where possible.

2. Introduce yourself to your flatmates

When making friends at university, making the first move can feel intimidating, but it can also take some of the pressure out of meeting the people you live with.

Keep it simple. Introduce yourself in the shared kitchen, knock on someone’s door or ask whether anyone would like a cup of tea. Most new students are likely to be feeling just as nervous as you are.

Sharing a kitchen or living space gives you regular opportunities to chat, cook together and get to know one another naturally. And, if you’re moving into a studio flat, consider keeping your door propped open on move-in day so that you can shout a quick “hello” to your neighbours as they pass by.

If you’re yet to find the place you’ll be calling home, explore Fresh student accommodation, with properties designed to balance private rooms with communal spaces where residents can meet and spend time together.

3. Spend time in shared spaces

When everything feels unfamiliar, it can be tempting to stay in your bedroom. However, spending a little time in communal areas makes spontaneous conversations more likely.

Try eating dinner in the shared kitchen, studying in a communal space or sitting in your accommodation’s social areas for a while. You don’t need to be there constantly. Even short, regular visits make it easier to recognise people, say hello and gradually feel part of the community.

4. Attend Welcome Week events

Welcome Week is one of the easiest times to meet people because almost everyone is new and looking for someone to talk to.

It’s not only about club nights, too. Universities commonly offer campus tours, society fairs, film nights, talks, meals and other daytime or alcohol-free activities.

Choose events that genuinely interest you rather than putting pressure on yourself to attend everything and anything. Going alone might feel daunting, but it can also make it easier to approach other students who have arrived by themselves.

5. Get to know people on your course

Your course mates are people you will see regularly, giving friendships time to develop without needing to force them.

Arrive at lectures a few minutes early, sit beside someone new or start a conversation before a seminar. You could even ask:

• “What did you think of that lecture?”
• “Have you started the assignment yet?”
• “Which accommodation are you staying in?”
• “Do you want to grab some food afterwards?”

You already have your subject in common, so there is an easy place to begin. Course friends can also become study partners, making lectures, assignments and revision feel more manageable.

6. Join a society, club or sports team

Shared interests make conversations easier because you already have something to talk about.

Most universities offer societies covering everything from sports and performing arts to gaming, volunteering, culture and academic subjects. Many welcome beginners, so you do not need previous experience to take part.

Societies also continue meeting after Welcome Week, giving you regular contact with the same people. This repeated, low-pressure interaction can make it easier for genuine friendships to develop.

Try a few activities before deciding which ones feel right for you.

7. Suggest simple plans

Lots of people wait for somebody else to organise something. Being the person who makes a small suggestion can help everyone feel more comfortable. You could ask:

“Does anyone fancy walking to the lecture together?”

Or:

“I’m heading to the shop later if anyone wants to come.”

Other easy ideas include:

• Cooking dinner together
• Having a film or games night
• Getting coffee after class
• Exploring the campus
• Visiting a local market
• Starting a study group

Plans do not have to be expensive or complicated. Everyday activities often give you more space to talk than a large social event.

8. Branch out beyond your flat

It’s great when flatmates become close friends, but you shouldn’t worry if you don’t click immediately. Your flat is only one of many places where you can meet people.

Friendships might come from your course, a society, the neighbouring flat, a part-time job, volunteering or simply seeing the same people around campus. 

It’s normal not to become instant friends with your housemates, and it encourages students to connect with people across different parts of university life. Having different friendship groups can also give you a broader and more varied university experience.

9. Find social activities that suit you

Despite what you might have heard about student life, you don’t need to drink or enjoy nights out to make friends at university!

Look for activities that match your personality and interests, such as:

• Film or games nights
• Fitness classes
• Coffee meet-ups
• Craft sessions
• Volunteering
• Sports clubs
• Study groups
• Alcohol-free society events

Universities are large communities, so there will always be other people who prefer the same type of socialising as you. The Uni Guide recommends societies and shared-interest activities as useful ways for non-drinkers to build friendships without relying on nightlife.

10. Give yourself time

Settling into university does not happen at the same pace for everyone.

You might meet someone you connect with during your first week, or your strongest friendships may form months later. The people you spend time with during Welcome Week do not have to become your permanent friendship group.

Try not to compare your experience with what you see online. Other students who appear confident may still be adjusting behind the scenes. Keep attending activities, speaking to people and giving yourself opportunities to connect. 

What if you commute to university?

Commuting can make meeting people feel more difficult because you don’t have flatmates or shared accommodation spaces around you. However, you can still build friendships by:

• Staying on campus between classes
• Joining a commuter society
• Arriving early for lectures
• Having lunch with course mates
• Joining societies or sports clubs
• Suggesting coffee before travelling home
• Taking part in university events

The key is to avoid leaving immediately after every class where possible. Making small plans with course mates can help you feel more involved in university life.

Find your place at university

Making friends at university is rarely about having the perfect opening line or being the loudest person in the room. It often begins with small moments: sitting beside someone new, sharing a meal, attending the same weekly activity or asking whether somebody wants to walk to class.

Your accommodation can also give you a comfortable base where you can meet people while still having your own space. Explore Fresh locations and compare Fresh student room types to find an option that suits your lifestyle.

Give yourself time, keep showing up and remember that plenty of other students are trying to find their people too!