Maybe a family member or friend who's a little older than you. At the very least, there'll be some familiar faces at uni when you arrive. The prospect of moving away from home, making new friends, and gaining a whole new world of … If you're going on a night out with other students, ask to join their pre-drinks in halls so you can meet their flatmates and experience part of the typical student experience, if that's your thing. And, this way, you might find someone to become your Netflix binge buddy. It's vital to do this to make friends in university halls. If you have friends from home or school or any other walk of life who are at the same uni as you, get in touch with them. It varies for different people. It's also a good idea to take some games like Twister, or at the very least, a pack of cards for drinking games, as these are great ways of getting everyone together at the start. Join a drinking society that doesn't revolved around drinking. There's a perception that societies involve horrendous initiations and excessive drinking but, in reality, this is only true for a tiny fraction of them. You can study together and do things together as the year goes on and as I've said, you'll make friends … Don't spend too much time on social media. It can seem like a chore at first when you don't really know anyone, but stick at it and you'll soon meet people who'll make you want to go back. I’m sold. Ask us a question or share your thoughts! Hearing a familiar voice is always calming and if you have family members who have been to uni they'll give you advice from personal experience. You can chat to people on there who are also looking, so getting to know them and getting a house together is always possible. University students: Tips and tricks to help you cope in a pandemic ... Coronavirus restrictions may mean you can't pop home for the weekend … Disclaimer: All content on this website is based on individual experience and journalistic research. Plus if you share meals, you'll save loads of money. And, given that you'll be surrounding yourself with people who share one of your biggest interests, it's one of the best ways to make friends at university. i live about 20min (by car) away from my chosen uni. If you're the one in the flat who has a deck of cards, pre-drinks won't happen without you as they'll always be asking for your cards to play Ring of Fire. They'll probably appreciate you taking the lead and organising something a bit different. Open. I made a few friends but they all dropped out of uni. If parents are an issue at home, negotiate with them. Smiling is scientifically proven to make you more likeable and it encourages people to smile back at you. Photograph: Alamy A confession: I could easily have written this on how not to make friends at university. 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If you're not getting on with your current friendship group, it might mean that it's best for you to find a new group of friends. They’ll always have your back. Prop your door open so people know you're in and come to chat in your room, especially the morning after a night out. If you want to move away from home and live in halls, you can enquire with your university about designated 'Quiet Flats'. The 10 stages you will go through while living at home during lockdown. If you're unsure which uni you're going to, read our guides to choosing which uni you should go to, how to use UCAS, A-Level results day 2018, UCAS clearing and the ultimate guide to Freshers' Week. It might take a bit of detective work, but there are bound to be groups for your course, halls or university in general – all of which are a great way of introducing yourself to people before you even get to uni. Is uni similar to school in terms of friendship? It's a great way to do something worthwhile and meet loads of new people at the same time. Living at home also means you don't have to leave your nearest and dearest. This is an activity that pretty much takes place in the day time and you're sure to meet others who have the same reservations about going out as you. Use people's names when you speak to them. It could potentially take home-living students longer to make friends at university, as many first year friendships are forged in student halls rather than the lecture theatre. Sports clubs are one of the best ways to make strong friendships at uni, if sport is your thing. And, don't worry if freshers' nights out aren't your scene – unis often organise day trips, guided tours of the city or even trips to IKEA if you're in need of some bedroom essentials. Societies are important for all students at university, but for those living at home, they can be a lifeline. It is easy for students to meet new people and form friendships while living in dorms, but making new friends can be trickier for students who commute to college. Flat mates Develop bonds and common interests with the people you are living with. Find out more about Unite Students and get some amazing advice from The Common Room here: https://bit.ly/2ZwA59Uhey guys!! It's the safest and easiest way to find a room quickly. Sign up for a society or sports team and you'll end up with a brand new group of mates who share your interests. You'll be able to find out everything from the best student bank accounts to the best restaurant deals. The user experience shouldn’t be any different, and our editorial decision making is not affected by such links. Use existing connections – If you already know people at the same uni or in the same city, ask them to introduce you to their friends. Students in accommodation did the same thing however when they go back home they're with other students, whereas living at home you go back and isolate yourself. This will enable you to make friends before you even get there, plus you can all vent your worries to each other and you'll realise that it's totally normal to have questions. I would often stay in my room of an evening and often cry because I felt so lonely and could hear the girls chatting etc. But if you've chosen to study locally, staying at home can be a great alternative. https://www.thoughtco.com/going-to-college-living-at-home-3570208 As you'll be spending every day with these people for the next three years, it's good to always have them to hang out with during the day, and you won't have to worry about only seeing them on nights out. Talking to friends who have known you a long time will reassure you that you have loads of friends who love you and will give you confidence to go out and make more. Is anybody else? If you spend your day watching Instagram stories and scrolling through Facebook, you'll be convinced that everyone except you is having fun with their new friends. 17 ways to make friends at uni Join Facebook groups. Not only is it sociable, but you're bound to get some tips for your essays and referencing too. Find societies that appeal to your interests, whether that's watching movies, baking or playing video games, and go along to their events and meetings. Do some research into fun (and cheap) activities you can do in the local area and plan a day out with some people from your course or halls.