The ultimate student guide to making friends during Freshers’ Week

Molly Judgeon 14 July 2021
friends smiling and drinking

Making friends can be daunting, but don't let your nerves stop you from missing out on the most cherished date in the student calendar: Freshers' Week. Here's how to make friends immediately.

Are you an introvert who struggles to make friends, or are you simply daunted by the number of new faces you’ll come across in your first week at university? Fear no more. We’ve created the ultimate guide to making friends as you move into your new home. 

Going to university means you get to enjoy the most looked-forward-to event of the student calendar: Freshers’ Week. From endless nights out to wacky costumes, trying out societies and mooching around sports fairs (where you will enjoy endless free pizza), Freshers is not one to miss. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to make some lifelong friends and share all your embarrassing stories. 

What is Freshers’ Week? 

In case you don’t know what Freshers is, it refers to the first week of university just before your classes officially start. It’s often referred to as ‘Welcome Week’ by universities, but you’ll definitely hear the term ‘Freshers’ thrown around. In addition to the nights out and society try-outs, you’ll also get a taste of what studying will be like via introductory lectures. It’s a great time to enjoy your newfound freedom and get to know the people around you. But how do you do that when you’re nervous around new people? 

Making friends is often scary, especially when you’re in a new environment. But remember, the majority of students are in the same boat as you. You can get lost around the city and discover how to use a washing machine together. It’s all a bonding experience. And, it’s not a big deal if you don’t meet your new best friends in the first week as you have a year ahead of you to find your lifelong tribe

So now we’ve established the ins and outs of Freshers’ Week, here are some tips to becoming the ultimate BNOC (Big Name on Campus).

1. Be brave and take the first step

Making the first move will not only break the ice but it might also help others to come out of their shell. Introduce yourself at an event, ask to sit with someone during a lecture or knock on someone’s door and say hello. Start with your flatmates, then the other flats in your halls. Don’t avoid asking people to hang out because you’re scared they won’t want to hang out with you. Chances are, they’ll be relieved you asked. 

2. Join at least one society

Beyond accommodation and your course, the best way to meet like-minded people is through societies or sports clubs. At Freshers’ Fair, you’ll discover more activities than you ever dreamed of. Whether you’re into Harry Potter, knitting or sea swimming, there is sure to be a society for you. 

3. Offer to cook with your housemates

Cooking is a great way to bond with your housemates. Try to organise this as soon as possible so you can get to know each other early on in the year. Alternatively, you can cook a meal for your flatmates; not only will they love you for life but it also gets you out of washing up duty!

4. Prop your door open  

If your door is propped open, it means you can say hello to your new flatmates as they move in. This will help you to familiarise yourself with them before the formal introductions over a cup of tea. Offer to help them unpack, or do your first supermarket shop together. It might not seem like a lot, but you can chat while you do these activities. 

5. Plan a takeaway and movie night

Not all students enjoy clubbing, and most students will need a break from non-stop partying towards the end of Freshers’ Week. What better way to chill and get to know each other than with a chow mein and a rom-com? 

6. Host pre-drinks

Gather your flatmates and knock on the other flats’ doors on your floor, inviting them to your flat party. This is a really easy way to have fun and get to know the people around you, especially with games like ‘never have I ever’.

Are you dreaming of Freshers’ Week? Take a look at what’s in-store with our article How to prepare for Freshers’ Week

Molly Judgeon 14 July 2021