Meeting new people and making new friends at uni is a big part of student life. The social aspect of living away from home for the first time enriches any student experience – but what if you’re an introvert?
What is uni life like for an introvert?
A simplified way of looking at it is, if an extrovert is the social butterfly commanding the dance floor at a party, then an introvert is someone on the fringes sipping their drink or someone that has already gone home. If you’re an introvert reading this, then you’ll know it’s not that simple: of course you like to have fun, it’s just that being around people for stretches of time can sap your energy and even downright exhaust you.
There’s a common view that all introverts are shy and quiet; it’s often the case but not always so clear-cut. Many performers and comedians who are clearly full of confidence when they’re on stage are known introverts, while some of history’s most radical minds are, too: Albert Einstein, Sir Isaac Newton and Steve Jobs. Good company to be among, eh? (Not sure if you’re in introvert? – Check out your personality type).
How to make friends at university
If you’re worried about making friends at university as an introvert, or you're already at uni and finding it difficult, we’re here to tell you you’ve got this. Here’s our guide to starting university as an introvert and how to make friends. There are so many opportunities for you to meet like-minded people.
Making uni friends in freshers’ week
Freshers’ week is an exciting time, symbolising the beginning of your university adventure. The anticipation surrounding it might be causing you some anxiety and to ask yourself a number of questions like is uni fun, what if you don’t fit in or what if you don’t make any friends?
Get involved, sure, but take things at your own pace and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. It is only one week, after all. There may be big nights out and group gatherings, but there’ll be other activities to get involved in if that’s not your thing. You might be surprised how many ways there are to meet people at uni, and how many other people opt for something more chilled over a bar crawl. A lot of new students think that the only way of making friends at uni is to drink or party – but that’s certainly not the case. Making friends at uni can be done in countless ways.
Remember, everyone is starting out and will be feeling some level of nervousness, even if extroverts might not show it. It sounds obvious but smiling, saying hello and engaging in conversation (even if you’re uncomfortable or a bit embarrassed to put yourself out there at first) is a great way to start making friends as an introvert at university. Who knows? You might be helping someone who could be struggling more than you.
Making friends in your student accommodation
Once freshers’ week has whizzed by, the reality of university life sinks in. Yes, there’s still a lot of fun to be had but the everyday business of lectures, studying and independent living also begins.
The freedom of living away from home is great, but it takes time to adjust and you may be feeling overwhelmed at being away from family and friends. Homesickness at uni isn’t fun but give yourself time, stay busy and it will pass. Whether you’re living in university halls or off-campus, a lot of your new neighbours will be experiencing the same feelings so try to open up – a chat can make you (and them) feel a whole lot better.
It might be tempting to stay in your room, but try not to isolate yourself, as you’ll probably end up feeling worse. Remember – you don’t have to go ‘out out’ to find new friends. You might be lucky to live somewhere with social spaces where you can mix with other residents, like our Student Roost properties across the UK that feature everything from cinema rooms and hosting kitchens to outdoor areas and gyms – all great spaces to start up a conversation.
There are even regular social calendar events that you can pick and choose to attend. So, try not to worry about struggling to make friends at uni – there will be so many opportunities to connect with people.
Making friends on your uni course
Not sure how to find friends at university? It doesn’t have to be limited to people you’re living with. The course you’re studying is a great way of making friends at uni, because you all have an interest in the subject you’re learning.
Unsurprisingly, the world of higher education doesn’t offer exclusive university courses for introverts (although research shows that some subjects like accounting and creative writing are more suited to the personality type) so you’ll be studying with a mix of different people, including extroverts.
Try to get in the habit of participating in lectures and seminars, as it can become easy for louder voices to take over. Group work is a great way to build bonds and suggesting a quick post-study snack or drink could be the key to blossoming new friendships. It’s worth repeating that your classmates are in the same boat – trying to figure out how to make friends at uni – so asking how someone is can go a long way. If you buddy up with people on your course, then remember you can live together in our Roosts when it comes to booking your accommodation for second year and beyond.
Tips and life hacks for introverts at uni
Hopefully, you feel equipped to take on this new, exciting challenge – because, no matter how overwhelming it can feel at times, uni offers some of the most fun years of your life and you deserve to have the best student experience. Here are some more top tips for introvert students on how to make friends at uni:
- Start or join a society to meet people who share your hobby or interests. You can find out what societies are running by getting in touch with your Students’ Union.
- In a similar extracurricular vein, join a sports team if you’re a keen athlete – or just check out what your uni’s social sports programme is like for a kickabout with potential new mates.
- Keep a journal to become familiar with the types of situations that overstimulate you, so you can better manage your social life and avoid situations that stress you out.
- Meditation can help introverted people to calm down and exercise focus, so a quick 10-minute mindfulness session might do wonders for you before a party, for example. Guided meditation apps like Calm and Headspace are great for beginners.
- Link up with classmates on socials or start a WhatsApp group. You can't say you have no friends at uni if you're sharing and receiving memes! Remember too that, as well as our main Student Roost Instagram account, each Roost has its own profile.
- There is always lots going on at Student Roost to keep you entertained, so plenty of opportunities to meet other residents. Check in at reception to see what's coming up.
Hopefully some of these tips will be just what you need to help you make friends at uni. Whatever works or doesn’t work for you, just remember that if you do need to talk then our teams are there 24/7 if you need support whatever time of day (or night) at all of our Student Roost properties. Don’t stay silent if you’re combatting loneliness or if it all starts feeling a bit too much – we’re here to help and make your time at university as special as it should be.
