During the first few weeks of university there is so much pressure to make friends. Your flatmates are likely to be the first people you will meet and whilst getting on with your flatmates is important, they don’t need to be your best friends!
There are so many ways to make friends at Uni
During the first few weeks of university there is so much pressure to make friends. Your flatmates are likely to be the first people you will meet and whilst getting on with your flatmates is important, they don’t need to be your best friends! Most people go to Welcome events alone which makes these events easier as everyone is trying to find their people.
Clubbing can be fun and a good way to meet new people, but don’t feel pressured to go clubbing all the time – you will meet people who will also enjoy nights in and daytime events. Going to course events, joining your course society and seminars are a good way to find friends on your course.
Joining societies related to your hobbies and interests and even something you haven’t tried before is a good way to meet more like-minded people. The Guild has over 350 societies so there’s something for everyone to get involved in.
How can I adjust to living is such a big city?
Birmingham is a big city and at first can feel daunting, but I would say to make the most of all the activities available such as shopping in the Bullring, vintage markets in Digbeth, walking along the canal and trying the many restaurants and bars in Brindley Place and the Chinese quarter. Public transport is so easy and affordable!
There are also many green spaces such as Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Winterbourne House and Gardens (free access with your student ID). The Vale is smaller green space right on your doorstep or for a bigger green space, a short train journey away is Sutton Park.
Settling into a new routine
Living away from home means that it will be hard at first to adjust to a routine. I found that planning weekly meals, meal prep and doing a weekly shop not only helps me budget but also sets out a routine for the week.
Sport and exercise are another way to help set a routine. I played netball with my course society twice a week and joined yoga society, but gym memberships are available and UoB Sport and Fitness offers many classes you can fit into a routine around lectures.
Weekends can be hard, especially in the first semester, but the res-life team offers wellbeing cafes and other fun and creative accommodation events so look out for those on Instagram.
Achievements first-year me would be proud of
If things go wrong, everything works out in the end! I completed my dissertation and will be graduating alongside many of my course friends soon, this includes the friends I made at netball which I now have been going to the matches for.
I have been the Welfare Secretary for ELAL society this year and have helped organise and take part in so many society events with the rest of the committee. I have lots of work experience now after doing a work placement as part of a module and have photography experience working as photographer at the Guild and whilst I still do not know where I will be next year, there are so many paths open for me to take!
University life may feel overwhelming at times so please reach out to Guild Advice for support should you need it – whether this is for wellbeing, cost-of-living, academic issues or something else.
Written by Guild Student Staff, Robyn