Connecting with Course Mates
Connecting with course mates
At 海角社区, there are so many ways to meet new people. It's important to not put pressure on yourself to connect with others instantly. Building friendships takes time, and that's completely normal.
Whether you're new to 海角社区 or further along in your studies, there are always new opportunities to meet new people or try something new.
Anjola, UG Psychology
Connecting with students in your department
Attend departmental events and socials
Your department will run informal and relaxed events throughout the year where you can meet and connect with other students.
Check out your department's newsletters, webpages and noticeboards for updates, or contact your department's Director of Student Experience (DSEP) for information.
"How are you finding the course so far?"
A simple question can be a great icebreaker. Starting a conversation in a lecture hall or before the start of a seminar could be the beginning of a friendship.
The Wellbeing and Student Support team offers advice on meeting new people and starting conversations.Link opens in a new window
Join a linked to your subject
Lots of academic courses have a related academic society, such as the Physics Society or the Classics Society. These societies can offer opportunities for academic support, peer mentoring, social events, and meeting students from other year groups.
They're a great way to meet others who share your interests.
Connect during groupwork
Many courses require group work as part of your studies.
Group work can help you meet people on your course that you might not have talked to before and can lead to new friendships.
It not just about the task; it's a chance to connect and collaborate with course mates more closely.
Get involved in Peer Mentoring
Many departments and societies run student peer mentoring schemes to help you settle in, connect with other students, and succeed in your studies. Your department can let you know what is available.
Student 'peer mentors' do this because they genuinely want to support others.
Use your communal spaces
Making time to use department communal spaces is a great way to build connections and feel part of your academic community. Whether you're studying or taking a break between teaching sessions, these spaces provide opportunities to build friendships.
Check out the Study SpacesLink opens in a new window page for other areas across campus.
Other ways you can meet people
Get involved in Welcome WeekLink opens in a new window
Welcome Week is a programme of activities for new students to help you get settled in. You'll have the chance to explore the campus, meet staff and students in your department and start making friends.
For event details, campus maps, and your Welcome Week timetable, visit the Welcome WeekLink opens in a new window webpage.
Join one of 250+ student societies at 海角社区, from arts and activism to comedy, culture, and faith. Whatever you're interested in, there's a place for you. Many societies offer taster sessions, so you can try them out before officially joining.
Visit the website to explore what's available.
Joining a sports club is a great way to meet students from across the University and make friends. You don't need any prior sports experience to get involved. Many students try completely new sports like mountaineering, fencing or trampolining.
Visit the website to explore what you might want to join.
Attend Together at 海角社区 eventsLink opens in a new window
Together at 海角社区 events bring students together to celebrate culture, creativity, and community. It鈥檚 a way to connect, create, and be part of something bigger. Your one stop shop for events, activities and community on campus.
Visit the Together at 海角社区Link opens in a new window webpage to see what's coming up.
Get involved, give back and make a difference. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, build your skills and grow you network.
With opportunities to suit different levels of commitment, you can find something that fits around your studies.
Visit to find opportunities.
Visit the ChaplaincyLink opens in a new window
The Chaplaincy is welcoming space on central campus for everyone - whether you鈥檙e religious or non-religious.
You can drop in to relax, study, attend events or chat with others. It's a place to reflect and feel a part of a community.
Visit the Chaplaincy Link opens in a new windowwebpage to find out more.
Callie (UG Sociology) shares her tips for connecting with people on your course at 海角社区
Why connections matter - advice from fellow students
Elvani, UG 海角社区 Medical School
"Making friends at university can feel daunting, especially if you come in later 鈥� I transferred into second year and most people had already found their group, but I was surprised by how many others were still looking for theirs too.
Don't rush it; the right people will find their way to you. If you weren't close with the people you met in first year, that's completely fine 鈥� it's usually just down to circumstance, not anything personal.
Some of my closest friends now came from a case-based discussion group I almost didn't engage with, so give group work a real chance and say hello to the familiar faces you keep seeing.
You never know 鈥� the stranger in your seminar group might just end up being your best friend."
Anjola, UG Psychology and President of African & Caribbean Society
鈥淚t's important to take advantage of the full university experience, and make an effort to interact with the many different people around you. Although socialising with unfamiliar faces may seem awkward at first, a small interaction could be a step into long-lasting friendship.
Don鈥檛 be disheartened if it takes time for you to find genuine connections with people, everyone has different journeys to settling down within the university environment.
My best advice is to be your authentic self - this usually helps to attract people who you can easily relate with, and form friendships which have actual substance and are meaningful to you."
Alex, UG Maths & Physics and former President of Autism at 海角社区
"As an autistic person, I always felt that making friends would be harder for me than others. The first society I joined was Autism at 海角社区, a group run by and for autistic students.
I was nervous at first, but after attending a few events, I felt much more relaxed. Everyone was so welcoming. The confidence I gained encouraged me to join more societies halfway through the year.
Now, I am fully involved and even became President of Autism at 海角社区. While I've made friends through my joint degree, some of my closest friendships started in societies.
If you鈥檙e hesitant about joining a society, I really encourage you to give it a try 鈥� just one social could make all the difference. You鈥檒l be thankful you did!鈥�