How to meet new people before you arrive

Tips on making friends and meeting new people before arrival

Moving to university is very exciting. It's your chance to learn how to live independently, meet new people and experience new things whilst studying. However, it might also feel very nerve-wracking. Going from the comforts of your home to being surrounded by strangers is daunting, but there are ways to ease anxieties and even meet people before you arrive. That way you're not really walking in not knowing anyone!

Social Media

The most common way to find other people who may be in your accommodation or on your course is through group chats and social media! Search on Facebook and Snapchat to see if any group chats are going around for your hall/course. Usually people might opt to go for a coffee before the course starts to get to know each other.

If you can't find a course-specific page/group, then why not comment in one of the other groups? For example, if you have an accommodation group, introduce yourself and let other residents know which course you'll be studying and ask if anyone else is on the same course.

The Student Room & Reddit (Student-led platforms)

Check student platforms such as Reddit and The Student Room to see who's attending university at the same time as you. This can be a great way to meet friends who might not be on your course or live with you. You can even put a post out yourself for your hall or course to see if you can connect with people. These platforms have a lot of freedom, whether you're just wanting to meet people to ease any initial pressure or social awkwardness you may feel or if you want to ask questions about societies and freshers' week.

Unibuddy

Unibuddy helps students chat to peers, ask questions about campus life and join secure chats before starting university. It's great if you would prefer to use a specific student app rather than scrolling through social media. You can join group chats for housing, courses and clubs to build connections sooner, and an even better insight is that universities can see what students care about most through the app, making it easier to communicate a difference and improvement.

Freshers' Week

Freshers' Week is an endless stream of events that provide you with many opportunities to make friends and have fun before your course starts. It's a good icebreaker to have, and most importantly, it helps you to have fun. Even if you make friends with one person, don't be afraid to introduce yourself to another group. You're all in the same boat and are probably as nervous as each other, so people are more likely to engage in conversation.

Keep an eye out on uolreslife Instagram page to see any upcoming events for when you arrive. That way you can ask in group chats or on platforms who is going and if you can join as a group.

We understand that coming to a new area with lots of people you don't know is scary, but if you take a look at these suggestions before arriving, you might just find yourself a group of friends you can join on the first night to make easing in a bit more comfortable.