Make Friends at University or College
Twelve ways to make friends at university or college, where everyone is looking for their people.
Everyone starts at zero. The first weeks are the best time to connect.
25 tips that really help
These ideas come from Platonic (Marisa Franco), Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Everyone is new
In the first weeks, nearly everyone is hoping for friends, which makes it the best time to speak. People will welcome your hello.
Say hello to someone in your first lecture.
Go to welcome week events
Fairs and socials are made for meeting people, and nobody expects you to know anyone. Attend as many as you can.
Mark three events in your diary.
Join clubs and societies
Shared interests make friendship easy. Pick one you love and one that is new.
Sign up for two.
Sit near others
Choose a seat close to people, not at the back alone. Proximity creates natural chats.
Sit next to someone new.
Use the common spaces
Libraries, canteens and halls give regular contact with the same faces. Spend time there between classes.
Eat in a common area twice a week.
Form study groups
Studying together builds friendships and improves your results. Ask classmates to join you.
Ask two classmates to study with you.
Say yes to invitations
Early invitations shape your circle, so say yes when you can. You can leave early if you need to.
Accept the next invitation.
Be open to difference
You will meet people from many places and backgrounds. Curiosity makes these friendships rich.
Ask someone about their hometown.
Look after yourself
Sleep, food and exercise keep you friendly and resilient. Healthy habits make social life easier.
Plan a regular sleep time.
Use support services
If you feel lonely, student services can help. Asking for help is a strength.
Look up what your university offers.
Introduce yourself on the first day
A smile and your name are enough. Many students are waiting for someone to speak.
Say hello today.
Join the group chat for your course
Chats help with notes and plans. Introduce yourself kindly.
Post a hello.
Eat in the dining hall
Shared meals are social. Sit with others.
Join a table.
Attend the freshers’ fair
Fairs list societies. Sign up for a few.
Visit one.
Study in the library with others
Group study areas bring people together. Be friendly.
Ask to sit.
Talk to your tutor or lecturer
They can introduce you to others. Ask a question.
Say hi.
Join a sports team
Teams are friendly and fun. Try out.
Sign up.
Volunteer on campus
Volunteering brings kind people. Offer your time.
Sign up.
Stay in your halls’ common room
Common rooms are social. Spend time there.
Sit there.
Knock on doors in halls
A hello to neighbours builds friendships. Bring snacks.
Knock once.
Organise a movie night
A simple event brings people together. Invite your floor.
Plan it.
Share notes
Offering notes builds goodwill. Ask for theirs too.
Offer.
Study abroad or exchange
Exchange programmes connect you widely. Consider them.
Ask about options.
Look after yourself
Sleep and food matter. Healthy habits help.
Plan meals.
Avoid cliques
Stay open to new faces. Keep inviting.
Include someone.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many everyday friendships.
“Hi, what are you studying?”
“Which halls are you in?”
“Want to grab food after the lecture?”
“I am nervous too, honestly.”
“Shall we study together tomorrow?”
“Thanks for the notes.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Go to the welcome events
Join two clubs
Say hello to three course mates
Ask one person to study together
Eat in common areas
Attend a society social
Invite someone for coffee
Further reading
- Platonic (Marisa Franco)
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
More lessons in “How to Meet New People”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Meet People as a NewcomerNext: Make Friends After Retirement →
- Everyone Is Hoping Someone Will Say Hello
- Why Making Friends Gets Harder After School
- Drop the "Nobody Likes Me" Story
- It Takes Fifty Hours, and That Is Okay
- You Do Not Need Many Friends, Just Good Ones
- Decide What Kind of Friends You Want
- Expect Awkward, Keep Going
- Choose Places Where You See the Same Faces
- Classes, Clubs and Courses That Work
- Make Your Neighbourhood Your Network
- Meet People Through Volunteering
- Use Your Workplace Without Pressure
- Find Friends in Your Faith or Community
- Make a Weekly Rhythm of Rooms
- Ask Friends to Introduce You
- Say Yes to Every Invitation for a Month
- Be a Plus-One With Purpose
- Turn One Friend Into Five
- Reconnect With Old Friends First
- Meet the Friends of Friends
- Go Where Your Friends Go
- The Café, the Gym and the Queue
- Turn Regulars Into Real Friends
- Dog Parks and Other Natural Meeting Places
- Say Hello Daily to Three People
- Make Friends Through Hobbies
- Walking Groups and Running Clubs
- Use Public Events to Meet Locals
- Moving to a New City: Your First Month Plan
- Meet People as a Newcomer
- Make Friends at University or College
- Make Friends After Retirement
- Make Friends as a New Parent
- Make Friends in Another Country
- The One-New-Person-a-Week Goal
- Track Your Social Attempts Kindly
- Say Yes More, Cancel Less
- Be Patient: Friendship Takes Repetition
- Celebrate Each Small Connection
- Your Meeting-People Plan
