Making Friends In Large University Classes

Making friends at university can be challenging, especially for shy or introverted students. However, certain approaches can help students meet friends in their classes at large universities. One effective way is to engage with classmates; students can ask others about their thoughts on lessons, their major, or why they chose a particular course. Getting to class early, participating in group assignments, and inviting classmates to study together or hang out can also foster connections. Joining clubs, sports teams, fraternities or sororities, and attending campus events are other great ways to meet people and form friendships. Additionally, striking up conversations in public spaces like dining halls or common rooms increases the chances of interacting with potential friends. While it can be scary, taking the initiative and putting oneself out there is essential for building connections and making friends at university.

Joining clubs and societies

Firstly, you are guaranteed to find people with similar interests to you. Whether it is a sports club, a theatre group, a community service society, or a student council, you will be surrounded by like-minded people who share your passions. This is a great starting point for any friendship.

Secondly, you will get to meet people outside of your course. While you may make friends with people in your classes, joining a club or society broadens your social circle and gives you the chance to meet people from different backgrounds and with different interests and skills.

Thirdly, you will have regular opportunities to socialise. Unlike one-off events, clubs and societies meet regularly, giving you repeated interactions with the same people, which is an important part of forming friendships. You will have the chance to really get to know people and for them to get to know you.

Joining a club or society is also a great way to boost your university experience and gain new skills. You will learn how to work as part of a team, develop your communication skills, and gain valuable leadership experience. You will also get to try new things and push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

So, if you are looking to make friends at university, joining a club or society is a great place to start. You will meet people with shared interests, gain new skills, and boost your CV, all while having fun and enjoying your time at university.

Making conversation in class

• Get to class early and use the time to chat with your classmates. You could comment on the homework, an eccentric professor, or something happening at school.
• If you're nervous about initiating conversation, try sitting next to a stranger in class and introducing yourself.
• Ask classmates what they thought of the reading or lecture, or why they chose to attend that particular course. Major-specific courses may lead to more common ground and similar career goals, making it easier to develop a rapport.
• Suggest a study session with a classmate. This provides a foundation for conversation that isn't highly personal, which may be more comfortable for shy students.
• Join a study group, or start one yourself by sending an email to your dorm or gathering people from your class. Dealing with difficult material together is a fast way to bond.
• Be friendly and approachable. Smile, stand up straight, and make eye contact with others. This will encourage extroverted students to come and talk to you.
• Be open to people who are different from you. College is a time to meet people from diverse backgrounds, so don't write someone off just because they aren't similar to you or your high school friends.
• If you're shy, consider connecting with a classmate on social media first. Send them a message about a course you're both taking, and then it might be less daunting to talk to them in person.
• Try to talk to one new person every day. Chat with someone in the elevator, in the laundry room, or while waiting for class to start. The more people you meet, the more likely you are to find great friends.
• Keep your dorm room door open when you're inside, and wave and smile at people as they pass. You could even offer snacks to entice people to come and chat!
• If you're not into partying, invite people over for a movie night or a slumber party instead.
• Join a club or sports team to meet people with common interests.
• Start a conversation with someone sitting next to you in the dining hall. Ask them if they usually eat there, or what they think of the food. Most people love talking about food!

Remember, making friends in class is worth putting yourself out there and getting out of your comfort zone. Good luck!

Getting a part-time job

• Start your search early. You might not get a job straight away, so don't wait until you need to start working to send out applications.
• Write a brilliant CV. Regardless of the type of job, you'll need a CV that makes you stand out. Tailor it for each application and back up your skills with relevant experience.
• Triple-check your details. Make sure your contact information is up to date and avoid typos, especially in the contact details section. Use a professional-looking email address, such as one from Outlook or Gmail.
• Take part in extracurricular activities. Having some experience on your CV will make it easier to land a job. This could include volunteering, helping out a family friend with their business, or creating a website.
• Be enthusiastic. Follow up on your applications and ask for updates to show employers you are keen. Send a thank-you email after an interview to show your interest and politeness.
• Put your social media on private. Employers are unlikely to hire you if your social media is filled with photos of drunken nights out. Make your accounts private or ensure they look professional.
• Part-time job search tools and websites. Sites like CV-Library will notify you when part-time positions become available in your area.
• Social media. Look at company websites and their social media pages for vacancies. You can also follow companies on sites like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to stay up to date with job opportunities.
• University job fairs. These events give you the chance to meet employers directly. Check when your university will be hosting a career fair and research the companies that will be attending.
• Recruitment agencies. These agencies can help match you with a job that fits your needs and preferences.
• Ask friends or family. If you know anyone working at a company you're interested in, they might be able to give you a heads-up about new job openings or put in a good word for you.
• Walk into a place with your CV. Don't be afraid to ask for a job in person, even if they don't have a "help wanted" sign. You'll never know what's available until you ask!

Attending sporting events

• Join a sports team: If your university has sports teams or clubs, consider signing up. Being part of a team fosters a sense of community and camaraderie. You'll be working together towards a common goal, which helps build trust and strengthen bonds. You'll also get to know your teammates better by playing to each other's strengths and having a shared experience of wins and losses.
• Socialise at games: Attending sporting events as a spectator is a great way to meet people. Chat with those sitting or standing near you; discuss the game, the teams, and your favourite players. Sporting events create a natural icebreaker and provide a shared topic of conversation.
• Utilise common interests: Sports bring together people from diverse backgrounds with a variety of personalities. Embrace this opportunity to connect with individuals you might not otherwise meet. You already share a common interest in sports, so use that as a starting point for conversation and building friendships.
• Be open-minded: Attend sporting events with an open mind and a willingness to try new things. You might discover a passion for a sport you never thought of trying before. Being open-minded also extends to the people you meet; don't judge a book by its cover, and give everyone a chance.
• Be social: Sporting events often come with social gatherings like after-game meetings, parties, or celebrations. These are excellent opportunities to extend your social time and find friends you truly connect with. Be spontaneous, say yes to invitations, and embrace new experiences.
• Be friendly and approachable: A simple smile and a friendly attitude can go a long way. Be approachable and open to starting conversations. You never know who might be looking for a new friend just like you.

Remember, the key to making friends at sporting events is to be proactive, engage with others, and let your shared passion for sports be the foundation for building meaningful connections.

Being proactive and initiating conversations

Making friends at a large university can be intimidating, but it's important to remember that many other students are in the same situation and are also looking to make friends. Here are some tips on how to be proactive and initiate conversations to help you meet people and make friends at a large university:

• Get to class early and start conversations with your classmates. Comment on homework assignments, school events, or even an eccentric professor. For example, you could say something like, "What did you think of the reading last night?" or "I heard this professor loves cold-calling. I'm kind of nervous!"
• Invite people to hang out. Don't be afraid to take the initiative and ask people in your classes or dorm to grab a meal, get ready for a party, or join you at the gym. Doing daily activities together is a great way to socialise and build connections.
• Try to talk to at least one new person every day. You can start a conversation anywhere—in the elevator, at the gym, in the dining hall, or even while doing laundry. The more people you meet, the more likely you are to find friends.
• Keep your dorm room door open when you're inside. This signals to your dorm mates that you're open to them popping in to say hello. Wave and smile at people as they pass by. You could even offer snacks—most students won't refuse free food!
• Go to campus events such as football games, dances, parties, or festivals. These events provide great opportunities to meet potential friends and give you more to talk about with your peers.
• Do your homework in social spaces like the student union or a coffee shop. Sit next to someone who looks friendly and strike up a conversation. For example, you could ask for a coffee recommendation or a spare pencil.
• Say yes to invitations. Accept invitations to coffee, lunch, or parties, even if it's outside your comfort zone. You don't have to attend every event, but it's important to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people.
• Join a club or organisation. Most colleges have a wide range of clubs, from academic and cultural clubs to performing arts and volunteer clubs. Joining a club is a great way to meet people with similar interests.
• Start a study group. Dealing with difficult classes and professors is a great way to bond with your classmates. Send an email to your dorm or gather people from your class to form a study group.
• Be inviting. Leave your dorm room door open to encourage people to come in and say hello. Invite people to join you at the dining hall, gym, or a party. These informal invitations can often lead to long-lasting friendships.

Frequently asked questions