Making friends at university

Finding your tribe is an important part of student life. Whether you're a new student worried about making friends, or a returning student looking to widen your networks explore some of the ways you can make friends at university

The 30 July 2025 marks the International Day of Friendship. Started in 2011 by the United Nations Global Assembly, it's a day dedicated to celebrating friendships and letting your best buddies know what they mean to you.

What better day to discuss making friends at university? You might be focused on enjoying your freedom over the summer months, but with the new academic year on the horizon making friends will undoubtedly be on the minds of new students, and possibly even returning ones.

Why is it important to build friendships at university?

Having a good circle of friends is important at any stage in your life but building strong connections as a student is particularly important. While university is often considered one of the best times of your life, it's also a period of change and you need friends by your side.

'Entering university can be difficult for a student who is experiencing multiple, concurrent transitions, from moving geographically for the first time, living independently, financial hardship and forming new relationships,' explains Jo Parfitt, associate director for transition and belonging at Swansea University.

'For students to thrive, university must be a place of belonging and mattering, in which they can relax, have fun, feel connected and safe,' adds Jo.

'There are some tough days at university and making friends makes that easier,' says Kaylie Ashton-Barnes, a first year student at the University of East Anglia (UEA). 'Having people who relate to your learning experience, who you can lean on and who can lean on you to get through makes all the difference.'

'The friendships I've formed have made my time at university unforgettable,' adds Jaya-Marie Thomas, a second year student at the University of Sheffield. 'From having brunch in cute coffee spots to picnics in the park when the sun's out - some of my best memories are shared moments with friends. My time at university so far has been incredible and that's largely thanks to the amazing people I've met.'

Is it normal to struggle to make friends?

'100%', says Jo. 'After leaving school it's daunting to start forging new friendships again, but it can also be a really exciting time.'

Gill Barlow, head of student wellbeing at the University of Bradford believes a sense of vulnerability is to be expected. 'Being in a new environment, outside your comfort zone, can be challenging and leave you feeling a little wobbly. Expect this wobbliness, be patient with it and be kind to yourself. Remember that it can take time to find people on your wavelength.

It can be tempting to want everyone to like us - to adapt and bend who we are to please others and to fit in. While it's important to be approachable and open, it's also wise to be your authentic self. This filters out people you might not get on with and creates space for genuine friendships with those who like you for being you.'

'I bounced around a lot at the start of the year, but now I have a pretty solid set of friendships that I'm enjoying and feel very grateful for,' adds Kaylie. 'Take your time and talk to as many people as you can manage.'

How do I make friends at university?

'Say yes to things - even if they're slightly out of your comfort zone,' says Jaya-Marie.

'Whether it's attending a freshers event, grabbing brunch with your flatmates, or joining a society. The more you put yourself out there, the more people you’ll essentially meet.'

Attend freshers' week

Start connecting with your peers before you get to university by joining online freshers groups. Similar groups will exist for your course,  department and even your halls. Be brave and add a post to introduce yourself.

Embrace freshers' week, be aware of what's happening and attend as many events as possible. This includes the freshers fair, welcome talks, campus tours etc. Everyone's in the same boat - you're all new and looking to find allies.

Freshers' week socials are also great places to mix with a variety of people. They're not all centred around alcohol, alternatives include lunches, game or film nights. Go along and see what comes of it, you never know you might meet your new bestie in the first week of university.

Learn more about making the most of freshers week.

Get to know your flatmates and neighbours

You'll spend a lot of time in your student accommodation so try to make the most of the community halls of residence, flats and shared houses provide.

Prop your door open while you're at home. It's a friendly gesture that lets your flatmates know that you're happy to chat and join in.

Spend time in communal areas such as kitchens and living spaces and make small talk as your housemates come and go. Once you've broken the ice make plans to do things together, such as go for a night out, host a games night or share a pizza.

If you want to widen your circle invite your neighbours along.

Reach out to course mates

Making friends with people on your course should be pretty easy as you already have something in common - your desire to study the same subject. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself while queuing outside a lecture theatre or of showing a coursemate the way to a seminar room if they look a bit lost.

Once you've familiarised yourself with a few faces suggest setting up a study session, arrange to go to the library together or plan to grab a coffee after a lecture.

If you're a returning student challenge yourself to sit next to someone new in lectures and seminars each week, rather than sticking with the friends you've already made. Open up a conversation with a question like 'how are you finding the course?' or 'what has been your favourite module so far?'

Join clubs and societies

Joining clubs and societies based around your hobbies and interests is an excellent way of meeting like-minded people outside of your course or accommodation.

Sign up to as many as your schedule will allow. If your primary focus is on making new friends and expanding your horizons rather than on the activity itself - step out of your comfort zone and try something new.

Playing a sport is not only good for your physical and mental health, it also creates a sense of belonging and community. It's also a sociable activity, with many teams and clubs holding their own events.

Learn more about the importance of extra-curricular activities.

Find a part-time job

Another great way to widen both your social and professional networks is to get a part-time job.

You can find paid work on campus as a library assistant, student/campus or brand ambassador, content creator or as part of the hospitality team in university shops, bars or cafes. This type of work provides the perfect opportunity to meet students from other years and courses. Learn more about student jobs at university.

Off-campus your options are endless. You can work in hospitality, events, retail and turn workmates into actual mates. Discover more about summer jobs.

Look into community groups or events

Making friends in the local community can strengthen your sense of belonging to a place so look to get involved in community groups and events. Join a book club or a hobby group, attend local craft fairs, music festivals, or markets.

If you belong to a particular religion or faith are there opportunities to meet new people through your place of worship?

Volunteering also allows you to get out and about in your community while giving something back. For example, you could help to maintain and conserve local green spaces, lend a hand at a museum or food bank or arrange a litter pick.

Find out more

• Discover how to look after your mental health at university.
• Read up on what to do if you feel homesick.