Thursday, April 5, 2012

How Making Friends at University?

University is a fantastic place to meet new friends. Freshers' Week is one of the greatest times to simply go up to people and say 'Hey!' The first people you will encounter will most likely be your housemates (unless you don't live on campus), but you will also get the opportunity to make friends on your course, in a society that you join, or in part time employment. Don't think that you have to make all of your friends in the first week that you arrive, or even in your first year. Some of the greatest friends you will make, might not be the first people that you meet!

Being with a new group of people can be really exciting; you will do a lot of talking in your first day as you chat to the new people around you! The best way to make friends in Freshers week is to just be yourself; be friendly, open minded and enjoy what other people are talking about. Ask lots of questions too!

What if I commute or live off campus?

If this is you, you can still make some fantastic friends even if you live with your folks. Join some societies and meet people here, and stick around after your lectures or seminars to have a drink with your fellow students. A lot of people make great friendships through their classes and societies and this is ideal for home students. If your friends go on a night out and you want to get involved, ask if it would be alright if you kip one someones floor or sofa.

Good conversation topics

- Wear something random if you dare, like a really bright hat. People will admire you for it, and it will prove a great conversation starter!

- Hobbies. Everyone has them! Ask what people do for fun, and whether they will be joining any societies. You might find that you have something in common with one of your new friends.

- Has anyone been on a gap year? Almost always someone in your group will have done. Get them to showcase their photos and tell their stories.

- Where you come from, what you studied, what you are studying at Uni. You might find that someone from your flat is on the same course as you, or that they live near to you back home.

- Put on some low music as you unpack your stuff on the first day; someone is bound to pop their hand in who loves the same song!

What if I am shy?

If you are worrying about University because you are shy and quite quiet, don't worry. A lot of people are shy, and a lot will feel exactly the same, and it is completely normal. When it comes to meeting people in the first few days, no one will know anybody else, so you wont be the only new kid on the block.

Most people will leave their bedroom doors open when it's the first day of Freshers; do the same, even if your bedroom is covered in bags of clothes and stuff your Mum packed you. People will be walking down the corridors heading to their new room, so holler out a hello! They will be pleased you made the effort. Introduce yourself with your name; you don't have to waffle out everything about yourself straight away as if you're on Family Fortunes - "Hello my name is Chris, I'm 18 from Manchester!". Start with your name and work it from there. Just try and relax. The person you are saying hello to might come across as confident, but they might be feeling exactly the same inside!

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