Make friends in your halls

If you’re a fresher arriving at uni, your first stop is probably student accommodation. This could be your first experience of living alone, and your new housemates will be in the same boat. Here are a few ways to make a good early impression.

Introduce yourself

Okay, let’s be real; almost no one is 100% comfortable with introducing themselves to new people, especially if you already feel nervous. But when you arrive at halls, biting the bullet and saying hi to your new housemates is a great idea. Remember, they’ll be just as nervous as you, and they might appreciate the fact that you spoke first. Early brownie points.

To double down on your brownie points, be kind, chatty and helpful. Helping people with their bags from the car, offering them a cup of tea and asking them about themselves can all help calm those early nerves.

Hang out in common areas

Being a regular in your communal spaces is a great way to connect with people. For one, it makes it easier to make conversation. You won’t need to knock on doors to say hello or wait to bump into people in the corridor.

But the kitchen, games room and seating areas have perhaps an even more crucial function. It’s these communal spaces where you and your housemates will hatch plans for the evening, watch Netflix and embark on a six-way collaborative spag bol. Don’t be scared, be there to chop the celery.

Play games

Games are a great way to break the ice, even with a housemate you don’t know that well. If you’re a dab hand at poker or have an unmatched lap on Mario Kart, why not set up the console, deal out the cards and start a game?

Before you know it, you could be laughing, crying, and cursing the very name of the same housemate you barely knew just a few minutes before. If someone doesn’t know how to play, no problem - you can teach them.

Invite people along

It’s always a great feeling to make friends, but don’t lose sight of others.

Some people may struggle to socialise, be anxious, or could even come from a different background to the rest of the house, which could make it harder to settle in.

So, if you’ve broken the ice and made plans with people, remember to invite others along too. Making friends is all about karma - one day, the universe may reward you.

How To Make Friends At University