Social tips for univeristy 🎓

Making friends at university can be extremely difficult. There is a lot of pressure to have the ‘perfect' university experience, however, whatever experience you have at university is completely valid. For some, we are thrown into a completely new environment or may be moving to another country away from family and friends. Here are some tips on how to feel less isolated at uni and make friends:

• Join Facebook and WhatsApp groups for classes, academic years, or schools (such as humanities). These are usually created before the academic year starts so keep a lookout for them on your university's Facebook or Instagram page.

• Follow the Instagram pages for the uni and find out what’s happening around you - I met one of my greatest friends through the pen pal scheme at Royal Holloway which was advertised on their Instagram.

• Introduce yourself to your flatmates early on. Knock on their door, talk to them in the kitchen or offer to help them move their stuff into their room.

• Make a group chat with your flatmates. This makes it easier to discuss any flat issues or concerns such as where shared equipment is or who's turn it is to take the bins out.

• Join societies! Universities usually have an introduction day to societies where you can see all that there is to offer. The options aren't limited to sports as there's also crafts, hobbies, politics and more! There's something for everyone.

• Talk to people in your classes. Making friends in seminars and lectures allows you to feel more confident and comfortable talking in class and in group discussions.

• Don’t put too much pressure on what a university friendship will be like. It isn’t going to be like high school where you see everyone every day. Everybody is busy, maybe has a job, or goes to see family on the weekends. Be open about how you’d like to spend time with people and let them know if you’re feeling lonely.

• I wouldn't recommend relying on alcohol to approach social situations. Although it might make you feel more confident and calmer when meeting new people on a night out or at gatherings, it isn't sustainable in the long run. You may lose the ability to navigate social situations whilst sober as you will lack the confidence you gain whilst under the influence of alcohol.

And lastly...

• Don’t compare your friendships to others. Everybody is on their own journey, and you never know the reality of someone's situation. If you feel lonely, talk to someone and let them know. Let the process take its time and have fun!