A huge part of your time at university is making memories with the people you meet along the way. University is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and your student accommodation will be your home away from home, providing you with a perfect study-life balance surrounded by lots of friendly faces.
Whether you’re a social butterfly or more of a bookworm, our top tips for making friends in your residence will help you settle in quickly and make the most of your time as a student.
Moving-in day
You’ve said goodbye to your family, and now all that’s left to do is decide how many strings of fairy lights is enough to give your room the perfect vibe.
So while you’re settling in and making those finishing touches, prop your door open with a door stopper.
As other students arrive, they’ll be much more inclined to pop their heads in and say hello if your door is wide open. It might be a bit nerve-racking, but a closed door might give the impression you don’t want to talk to anyone, or you haven’t moved in yet!
Hang out in common areas
This is a great way to familiarise yourself with your new flatmates and the space you’ll be living in together. They’ll see you pottering about and be encouraged to sit and chat with you.
If you’re not feeling so confident at first, why not put the kettle on? Nothing calms first-day nerves like a soothing cup of tea, and it’s a surefire way to get people talking.
Our top tip? Head down to the breakfast bar and grab some of the free refreshments on offer, a fresh cup of coffee and a tasty bagel will fuel you for a day of socialising.
Alternatively, bring out the competitive side of your new pals and invite them to a head-to-head match in the gaming room. Nothing brings people together like losing at Mario Kart, right?
Invite people to explore the area with you
Most likely, everyone in your accommodation will be new to the area your university is in. What better way to bond than by heading out to explore your new home, see how close you are to campus, and maybe grab a pint while you’re there?
Get stuck in at fresher’s week
Even if you’re more of a coffee addict than a cocktail lover, fresher’s week is the easiest place to make some lifelong pals.
It isn’t all about partying though, there are lots of opportunities to sign up for societies for your favourite hobbies. Whether you’re a future football captain, a keen thespian, or interested in learning a language, societies are a great place to find like-minded people.
Go to your course induction
This may seem like an obvious one, but you’d be surprised how many students miss their induction day. So drag yourself out of bed and make sure you head to your session (even if it’s an early one!).
While your flatmates are going to be a huge part of your life, your coursemates will be with you for the next three years, so it’s helpful to make some friends here too, especially in the first couple of weeks.
Organise a study group
Long hours slogging over a textbook can be boring and lonely. Make plans with your coursemates to form a study group. Not only is it a great way to bond, but you can also exchange ideas, get some tips on essays and any study help you need. Most student accommodation has break-out areas or study spaces, so take advantage of these to collaborate and focus.
Arrange themed nights at your residence
Partying isn’t for everyone, so why not grab your housemates together for a themed evening?
Think fajitas washed down with margaritas, followed by some party games or a film night. Everyone in your halls can pitch in with the cooking or prep and no one gets left out!
Often, events might also be hosted by your accommodation provider, like wellbeing talks and day trips, so keep an eye out for any social activities where you can meet others living in your building too.
Make Friends from all over the world
One of the great things about living in halls of residence is the number of people from different backgrounds and countries you’ll meet.
Taking the time to learn where each of your new housemates is from will help you all settle into your new home. Share stories of your hometowns and make plans to visit over the summer holidays!
Most importantly, don’t forget that all new students will be feeling the same nerves as you, and putting yourself out there will pay off when you end up with lifelong friends.
Novel provides accommodation in Edinburgh for students, offering excellent service and unrivalled wellness facilities. The accommodation is designed to create a community of happy, thriving students, who can get the most from their university experience.
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Featured image: Elly Fairytale from Pexels
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