How To Make Friends In Your Private Student Halls Of Residence

One of the most exciting, fun things about starting university is meeting lots of new people and potentially making lifelong friendships – which some may believe might not happen while living in private student halls of residence.

This is not the case!

Indeed, from the moment you register as a student and move into your private student halls you will become a part of a large, vibrant community.

In theory, all this is wonderful but in reality the days just before and after you move into your halls of residence and start attending lectures can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. With this in mind, we have put together a few tips to help you make new friends and settle into your new life quicker.

Jump into Fresher’s Week with enthusiasm

Sign up for the clubs and societies that interest you and maybe even try some that you have no experience of, be adventurous! There will be trial sessions available so if you don’t like it you won’t be tied in but then you may love it! Meeting like-minded people will be inevitable as you look for an activity to fall in love with.

Utilise social media

Get online and connect with other people on your course and your housemates. Most universities and their departments will have a Facebook page to join. Search Twitter for mentions relevant to your university plans and make contact.

This is especially a good idea before you get to university. Arriving at your private halls of residence to be met by people you have already been chatting with online is much less stressful.

Volunteer

Do some good, make friends with a similar mindset to you and have something to be proud of to put on your CV. Your student union should have plenty of information on how and where you can get involved.

Make tea!

It’s very traditional, British and a little cheesy but it’s friendly, familiar and will get you and your new housemates talking. Offer to make a huge pot and get chatting in the kitchen of your new halls of residence. Offer biscuits and cake too. The power of this simple gesture shouldn’t be underestimated.

Spare a thought for the International students

You’re nervous, right? Imagine how the students who are new to not only the university but the country. Their first language may not even be English.

Make a point of chatting with them and ask if they need any help or advice. They will be grateful for a kind face offering help and you’ll both have an instant long-lasting topic of conversation.

Set up a ‘study group’

A great idea to get to know the other students of your course and get some academic support. Suggest a regular day, time and place for a weekly coffee or beer. If you’re feeling a bit lonely you will have at least one meet up planned beyond lectures or seminars.

Making a new set of friends is a scary thought but just remember that all the new students are probably feeling just as nervous as you. Get stuck in and be brave!

The people you will be sharing your private student halls of residence with and the friends you’ll meet in class will soon become a network it feels like you have known forever.