Moving to university often means being placed with strangers in your first accommodation. While this can be exciting and can sometimes go well, it is also common that you might not get along. After all, you may all come from completely different backgrounds and have very little in common. So, it is understandable if you aren’t best friends with the people you are placed with. There are however a few things you can do to make uni life a little more bearable if you don’t get on with your housemates.
Try to Bond
Don’t judge your flatmates solely on first impressions. Moving to uni is a huge change and your housemates could be feeling nervous or homesick. Give getting to know them a chance before you make any judgements. You could try planning a flat night, whether this be drinks, dinner or a film.
Meet Your Coursemates
Being good friends with your course mates is great because you definitely will have at least one thing in common. It also makes lectures a little less daunting if you have somebody to sit with and help you with the work. If you have a course group chat, pop a message in and ask if anyone wants to meet up for drinks or a coffee. It may seem scary but remember: a lot of people will be in the same boat as you!
Join Societies
Societies are another great way to meet people with similar interests to you. There is a society for almost anything, from sports, to arts, to general interests. Most will hold a ‘Give it a Go’ session in the first few weeks of term. That way you can try out new societies and meet other members before committing to a membership.
Speak to Everyone
If you sit next to people in lectures, have to do group work in seminars, or even just pass people in the corridors of your accommodation, stop them and have a quick chat. It can definitely be daunting but remember that everybody is in the same boat and looking to make friends. You could end up meeting your best friends and having an incredible uni experience by just chatting to somebody you bump into in the corridor.
