Making friends at university is a natural process, but it does require some initiative and social skills. Here are some tips to help you connect with others.
Best ways to make friends at university
- Join Campus Activities: Get involved in interest groups, clubs, sports teams, or other campus organisations. This is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people.
- Sit Together in Class: Choose to sit next to other students in class, and after the lecture, discuss the course content together. This can naturally lead to conversations.
- Leverage Dorm Life: If you live on campus, build friendly relationships with your roommates and neighbours. The shared living environment makes daily interactions convenient.
- Attend Orientation Events: Freshman week or orientation events are usually designed to help new students get to know each other, making them a great starting point.
- Join Study Groups: Form or join study groups with classmates to prepare for exams or complete assignments together. This can help deepen your understanding of each other.
- Attend Parties and Social Events: Although not everyone enjoys parties, they are part of the university culture and an opportunity to meet new friends.
- Use Social Media and Apps: Some universities have dedicated social media groups or apps, like Facebook groups or WeChat groups, to help you find people with similar interests.
- Volunteer: Participate in volunteer activities. It’s a great way to do good while meeting people who share similar values.
- Keep an Open Mind: Be open and inclusive toward people from different backgrounds and cultures. University is a diverse place where you can learn a lot from others.
- Host Gatherings: Invite classmates to the cafeteria, coffee shop, or library, or organize small gatherings to get to know each other better.
- Listen and Share: Show genuine interest in others by listening to their stories and sharing your own experiences and feelings.
- Stay in Touch: Once you’ve made new friends, keep in contact through text messages, social media, or face-to-face meetups.

