We are often judged by our friendships and our ability to make them, and anxiety about making friends is very common in the run-up to Freshers week. The last time you probably had this feeling might have been your first day at a new school. You may have never even been away from home before. Below are some top tips to making friends during freshers week!
Remember that everybody else is probably feeling the same. If you take the initiative and are the first one to speak to someone who appeals to you in some way, you might find that your new friend is relieved, grateful and appreciative
We need a couple of meaningful relationships in our lives in order to remain healthy and thrive. One way of developing deeper connection with people is if you have a shared interest. There are so many options to join new societies, clubs and groups in Fresher’s week. The more passionate you are about your activities, the more likely you are to find people to bond with over this passion. Plan ahead and choose wisely, in advance which societies you would like to join, then get out there and meet the people who run them. Most societies will run special events for Freshers and will be very welcoming
Are you afraid that you don’t know how to start a conversation? Don’t have anything to say? Be curious! Most people love to talk about their favourite subject; themselves! Ask questions, show genuine interest, and really listen to the answers. Being a great listener is one of the most powerful influencing and relationship building skills, and you can find out some amazing stuff about people
Get physical! – no, not like that! Fresher’s week is the one time when everyone has a similar agenda and everyone is out also looking for the same thing; new friends in the real world! Stay offline once Fresher’s week starts and go to talks, events and parties – anything to get the most out of the chance to meet face-to-face
Check out your neighbourhood, whether that is a hall of residence corridor, or your street in a student neighbourhood. Hang out in shared spaces, kitchens, corridors etc. Leave your bedroom door open (but remember to be safe), knock on other people’s doors to introduce yourself, offer snacks, share music. Find out who is around you, you never know, your new best friend might be living next door already!
Remember, Fresher’s week is not your last chance to make friends. The chances are that you may not meet the whole of your new squad for life, but you could at least meet some people to get you through the week, to help you survive and have some fun. Look at Fresher’s week as a chance to plant some seeds. Some plants will blossom, others might not make it, and that is ok.
Don’t only focus on evening activities, clubbing and drinking – although of course that is a massive part of Fresher’s week. Don’t forget to look after yourself, get some sleep, eat well, treat your fellow freshers with respect and get out there in the daylight hours too!
Happy Friend hunting!