Here’s what it’s all about:
Starting university is an exciting time: new people, new challenges and, often, a new city. But alongside lectures, seminars and exams, there’s something else that plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful time at university: friendships. If you want to make friends at university, you’ll not only have a more enjoyable time, but you’ll also boost your well-being and academic success.
But what if you feel like you’re not making any friends at uni? Don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many students feel this way, especially in the first few weeks.
We’ll show you how, with an open mind, a bit of patience and the right opportunities, you can quickly make new friends and expand your social network.
University life brings many changes. Perhaps you’ve moved away from home for the first time, are struggling with homesickness, or are having to get used to a completely new environment. At the same time, you’ll face demanding lectures, the pressure of exams and organisational challenges.
Friendships help you cope better with this period. They offer emotional support, create shared experiences and provide a sense of security in your day-to-day student life. If you have people with whom you can share lecture notes, form study groups or spend your breaks, you’ll often find your time at university more motivating and less stressful.
💡 An active social life pays off in the long run too. Many of the contacts you make at university last for years and later develop into valuable professional connections.
If you think you’re the only one who finds it hard to make friends, you’re not alone. Large universities in particular can seem anonymous at first. Crowded lecture theatres, differing timetables and time pressures often make it difficult to strike up a conversation.
First-year students in particular often face similar challenges:
So if you currently feel as though you don’t have any friends at uni, that doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you. Friendships often only develop as the semester goes on.
The induction period offers the perfect opportunity to get to know people at university. Almost all first-year students are looking to make friends and are keen to meet new people.
So make sure you attend as many events as possible, such as:
Many friendships are formed right there in the lecture theatre or seminar. Make the most of small opportunities to chat:
A simple “Is this seat free?” or “What are you studying?” is often enough to strike up an initial conversation. It often quickly becomes clear that you’re facing similar challenges or share the same interests.
Studying together brings people closer. If you regularly revise material together or prepare for exams, you automatically spend more time with one another.
Study groups not only promote academic success but also help you make friends at university. Long-term friendships often develop from shared study sessions.
Almost every university offers plenty of opportunities to get involved outside your studies.
These include, for example:
Here you’ll get to know people who share similar interests. At the same time, you’ll develop your social skills and gain valuable experience.
Doing things together makes it much easier to get to know one another. University sports, dance classes or team sports create a relaxed atmosphere and provide regular opportunities to meet up.
A big advantage is that conversations arise quite naturally, as you already share a common hobby.
Your living situation can also help you make friends. If you live in a hall of residence or a shared flat, you’ll meet new people every day. Chats in the shared kitchen, games evenings or spontaneous cook-ins quickly create a sense of home.
Not every friendship starts in person on campus. Digital platforms can also help you get to know people at university.
Useful examples include:
Platforms for tutorials or study groups also make it easier to interact with other students.
Not every acquaintance immediately develops into a close friendship. Trust grows through shared experiences and regular meetings.
So try to keep an open mind and don’t judge new acquaintances straight away. Often, the strongest friendships develop quite unexpectedly.
Many students are shy or feel nervous about talking to others. That’s perfectly normal.
These simple strategies can help:
💡Nobody expects you to be a master of small talk. Most of the time, others are just as happy to have a chat as you are.
The first step in getting to know people at university is often the hardest: striking up a conversation. Whilst many students know that being open is important, they aren’t sure what exactly to say. But you don’t need a perfect opening line. Most of the time, simple, context-appropriate questions are enough to start a natural conversation.
Lectures offer a good opportunity to strike up a conversation with fellow students. Questions that relate directly to the current situation are particularly helpful:
Working on tasks together naturally provides an opportunity for conversation. Make the most of these situations to build connections whilst studying:
Everyday situations are also a great way to meet new people. You don’t always need a special reason to strike up a conversation:
When people hear the term ‘networking’, many initially think of business events or career fairs. In fact, however, networking as a student begins much earlier.
A good social network of students consists of people who support one another, share knowledge and motivate each other. This includes fellow students as well as tutors, mentors and contacts from university societies.
These contacts can help you:
There are times when, despite your best efforts, you simply cannot avoid feeling lonely. This feeling can become more pronounced, particularly during stressful exam periods or after moving to a new place to study.
It’s important, therefore, not to withdraw from others. Small steps often help more than big changes. Even something as simple as a regular visit to the canteen, a university sports class or a study group can lead to new encounters.
If loneliness or stress persist for a long time and are taking a toll on your mental health, you should seek support.
💡SRH University offers psychological counselling and other student support services, such as Student Services. Accepting help is a sign of strength.
Making friends at university rarely happens overnight. Most students are keen to meet new people and are happy when others approach them openly.
Whether in the lecture theatre, halls of residence, university sports or at events: every encounter can be the start of a new friendship. With a bit of patience, openness and initiative, you can make friends whilst studying, expand your social network and forge valuable connections during your time at university.
After all, in the end, it’s often not just good grades that you’ll remember later on, but above all the people with whom you shared this special time.
