How to make friends at university in East London

Going to university is an exciting chapter in your life and, if you make the most of it, it will be an experience you never forget. It’s no secret that a lot of students go to university for the social aspect, but when it comes to your first week, month and even year, you can be left wondering ‘how do I make friends at university?’ Believe us when we say – you are not alone. We’re here to provide you with the top five ways to make friends for life.

 

East London offers a vibrant and diverse atmosphere with countless opportunities to connect with like-minded people and build lasting friendships. Whether you’ve decided on a university where all of your old pals are studying or are going solo, making new friends plays a huge role in your experience. Not only does it allow you to broaden your mindset, it gives you a sense of belonging, provides you with support and improves your wellbeing. So, how do you make friends at university? 

 

After your ‘eventful’ nights out during Freshers' Week, you might be tempted to skip classes. Remember, you and everyone else in your lecture chose that course, so you’ll be in a room of like-minded people who share interests and hobbies. You can naturally find similarities with your classmates by asking them questions, such as what city they came from, what they studied at college and why they chose the course they did. It’s a smaller world than you think, so finding common ground with them will come easy – you just have to put yourself out there.

 

 

Extracurricular activities and initiatives are great for your CV, but it’s also a great way of meeting new people. From sports clubs on campus to joining a group at East London Students’ Union, there are so many activities to take part in. And if there’s not one that seems right for you, you can submit your idea for a new group and meet new people with similar passions outside of the classroom. 

 

 

 

Believe it or not, Freshers’ Week isn’t just an excuse for a week-long spell of drinking. In fact, a large proportion of it is during the daytime. Also known as Welcome Week, it’s designed to help new students settle in. You can expect to go on tours of the campus, take part in themed meet-ups and get a taster for the societies you’ve considered joining. 

 

There’s never any pressure to drink, but the nightlife is why a lot of students move away from home; you don’t have to worry about the dog barking at 4 am or awkwardly getting back home just as your neighbours are starting their day. For more information on what freshers’ events are near your student housing, Your Freshers Guide has all of the latest events in one space.

 

With the rise of social networking, you’re probably familiar with popular dating platforms such as Tinder and Hinge. In recent years, there has been an increase in people using apps like Bumble for Friends, where you can chat with people of similar interests before you meet them. Simply set the radius to East London and message away! Using an app is great for getting to know someone before you meet them—this way, you know the person’s interests and can talk about them to avoid potential awkward silences. 

 

Similarly, Snapchat has a Community feature, where you can join a group created for your university. This allows you to post on the Community Story, make new friends and get a special badge that shows what community you’re a part of. 

 

Finding accommodation with shared amenities is perfect for making friends. Your student accommodation is where you’ll spend most of your time, so shared spaces give you the ideal balance of socialising and alone time. Our Wick Park student accommodation in Hackney offers impressive communal areas and amenities to help you out, including a TV lounge, games room and wellness facilities, to name a few. 

 

 

 

 

If you need an extra helping hand, we’ve also been known to host social events. Whether it’s a cooking challenge or themed parties, keep an eye out for what we’ve got planned next.

 

 

Now you know how to make friends at university in East London, give one (if not all) a try! Be it in-person at lectures, events and social clubs or through social media apps, you’ll undoubtedly find friends for life. Be confident and put yourself out there, but don’t put too much pressure on yourself to find a best friend in the first week – friendships and bonds can take time to form.

 

Looking for student housing in London? Secure your place today and make new friends at Novel.