We’ve all watched the cast of F.R.I.E.N.D.S – if you haven’t I strongly suggest you do before you continue – pile onto their celebrated couch and envied their friendship. Having a solid group of people to laugh, celebrate (and moan about deadlines) with is a key part of uni life and will get you through the crazy ups and downs.
Some people thrive on change, the excitement of setting out on your own, others may be a little more anxious. Undoubtedly, coming to university is one of the biggest changes you’ll make in your young adult lives.
Meeting and getting to know an entirely new social circle can be daunting but give it your best shot and you’ll find you settle in and you won’t know where the months have passed (from personal experience). Here are a couple of tips and tricks to meet your new life-long mates.
- Live on campus.
Living in student halls is a rite of passage. Luckily for you Dundee has some great options to choose from, however it’s not about the amenities (albeit they’re pretty great) but more about bonding with your new flatmates. There’s something about arguing over milk or locking yourself out at 2am that bonds people together. This may be your first time living in close quarters with someone other than your family but don’t let that intimidate you. You’ll find a balance of gaining their support and having your own space to unwind.
- Speak up!
It’s so obvious it’s pretty ridiculous. But if you aren’t willing to put yourself out there and be heard how will you meet all those interesting new people out there? Engage in conversations with fresher’s and more students alike. At the very worst you can walk away, at the very best you’ll have a friend for life. Definitely worth the risk.
Clubs and Societies.
Need I elaborate? Societies on campus bring about people with common interests and there are often plenty of fresher’s looking to make new connections. Try out a few and see which one fits best. You may not necessarily follow every event or meeting but you would have met a whole group of new people. Take advantage of the first few weeks of term as most societies have free taster sessions.
Here’s a wee link to get you started on the hunt!
https://www.dusa.co.uk/get-involved/societies/a-z/
- Step out and about.
Explore. Granted Dundee may not be the largest city in Scotland but it is full of student opportunities, hip cafes and activities. Don’t stick to your usual haunts however tempting that might be, change things up a little. Pick a new sport or head down for a Café Science meeting for example to learn something new and meet the team.
- Don’t be afraid to be alone.
It might seem counter-intuitive but by doing things on your own you’re more likely to meet new people outside your existing circle. It’s only natural that you would stick to someone you know opposed to striking up a conversation with a stranger. Try out those new classes on your own once in a while and you’ll find you’re a little more inclined to introduce yourself to the person next to you.
- Be persistent.
Like all good things, genuine friendships take time. Don’t worry if you’re yet to find your soul sisters (or brothers) yet. Don’t rush things, you’ll be sharing a lifetimes worth of memories in the next few busy years.
If all goes well you might even end up with a fabulous group of people like this lot x
