Top tips for making friends at university

Fancy meeting new people, expanding your network or even making friends for a lifetime? 

Here are some top tips to help you build connections at Newcastle University!

1. Say yes to social opportunities!

From watching a movie at the cinema in The Gate to singing your heart out at karaoke, bowling, mini golf, and more at Lane7, or even grabbing a coffee with some furry friends at Dog and Scone, Newcastle has endless options for students to hang out, no matter your preferences.

I truly encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and try new things when the opportunity comes - even if it feels a little unfamiliar at first! And if you don’t receive an invitation right away, don’t worry - it doesn’t mean people don’t want to include you. Sometimes, everyone is just figuring things out too! Taking the first step yourself, whether by suggesting plans or joining an activity, can open the door to wonderful connections.
If social situations make you nervous, start small: ask a classmate about an assignment or suggest grabbing a coffee after class.

During my first week at university, I was so shy about meeting new people. But one day, I finally built up the courage to talk to a classmate sitting next to me. We bonded because we had the same question to the seminar leader and after that I asked her if she wanted to go for a coffee before our next class. Turns out she was also looking forward to asking me to have a coffee together! That simple invitation turned into a friendship that has lasted ever since. Now, we see each other in most classes and even work together!

Remember, most students are in the same situation, looking to make friends just like you. So don’t hesitate to reach out - I’m sure most people will be happy to say yes!

2. Join clubs & societies

Newcastle University has over 200 societies and sports clubs, so whether you’re into football, debating, or even just a big fan of Greggs, there’s a society for you! Don’t worry -you’ll find a club that matches your interests and allows you to meet like-minded people.

Joining a society or sports club is one of the best ways to make new connections, explore a topic you love, and develop both physically and mentally. Plus, since everyone there shares at least one common interest, it’s an easy conversation starter! If committing for a whole semester or academic year feels like too much pressure, try taster sessions at the start of each semester or join Give It A Go! activities throughout the year.

These events let you meet new people who are also exploring similar interests, and they’re a great way to help you decide if a club is right for you.

I wasn’t sure if joining a society was for me at first - I worried about the vibe and whether I’d fit in. But I decided to attend a taster session for the Dance Society, and it turned out to be an amazing decision! I met people who shared my interests, and what started as just a fun activity became a space where I felt truly connected. Plus, it made starting conversations so much easier since we already had something in common!

So if you're unsure about joining a society, just try one session - you might walk in a stranger and leave with lifelong friends.

3. Get involved in volunteering

Volunteering through Go Volunteer or getting involved in student-led initiatives is a fantastic way to meet people while making a positive impact. It also helps you build connections beyond your course or nationality while developing key skills like teamwork, leadership, and communication - qualities highly valued by employers.

Beyond boosting your CV, volunteering allows you to explore new interests, contribute to meaningful causes, and develop a sense of belonging in the community. Whether it’s helping at a food bank, mentoring, or listening to other students' struggles, there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference while meeting incredible people along the way.

Volunteering is something I had always loved to do, and when the timing was right, I finally gave it a go here at Newcastle! One of my first experiences involved preparing land for tree planting with an incredible group of people. We spent hours hard-working as a team - because trust me, tree planting is much harder than it looks! By the end of the day, I had made connections that I still cherish. It felt amazing to contribute to something meaningful while forming friendships with people I probably wouldn’t have met otherwise!

4. Make the most of your student accommodation!

If you’re living in student halls, this is one of the best places to make friends! Your flatmates are likely in the same situation as you, looking to connect with the people they live with, so take the opportunity to build friendships naturally. Even small chats in the kitchen can turn into lasting friendships over time! 

Don't forget to follow ResLife to know the activities and amenities you can find in your accommodation - these can be great ways to hang out with friends and meet new people!

A great idea is to create a group chat for your flat - not just for organising chores but also for suggesting fun activities like a Christmas dinner, a Galentine’s celebration, or a game/movie night. 

One of my most memorable nights in student halls was when we decided to host a Thanksgiving dinner in one of the common areas. I still remember how much food there was and how everyone contributed something special. But more than the meal, it was the laughter, the shared traditions, and the friendships that truly made the night unforgettable. It is the perfect reminder that friendships often grow in the simplest of moments - over shared meals, laughter, and a little too much dessert!

5. Be patient & open-hearted

Making friends in a new environment doesn’t happen overnight. Some days will feel lonely, and that’s completely normal. But keep putting yourself out there, and the right people will come into your life when you least expect it.

Be open, be yourself, and don’t be discouraged by small setbacks. Friendships take time to grow, but every conversation, every shared experience, and every little moment contributes to building genuine connections. Trust the process!

During my first few weeks, it felt like everyone had already found their group of friends, and I started to wonder if I was falling behind or just not connecting as easily as others. I worried that maybe I wasn’t bonding deeply enough with the people I had met. But over time, I realised that friendships don’t always form instantly - they grow through shared experiences. Some of my closest friends now are people I met in completely unexpected ways, such as being assigned as the same seminar group, getting introduced through a mutual acquaintance or even just sitting together at lunch.

So if you ever feel like you're falling behind, remember: real friendships don’t have a deadline, and the best connections often come when you least expect them.

Author's Note: Finding comfort in solitude 

Feeling lonely is totally valid, and it doesn’t have to be seen as a negative aspect of university life. In fact, one of the best things you can do when starting university is to learn to enjoy your own company.

Treat yourself to a nice meal at a restaurant, go to the cinema alone, or even join activities that people usually do in groups - like dance classes. Taking time for yourself strengthens independence and helps with self-growth!

Balancing socialising and personal time are key. While making new friends is important, so is enjoying your own company.

At first, I thought being alone meant I wasn’t making the most of my university experience. But over time, I learned to embrace it. I started taking myself out for coffee, exploring the city on my own, and even going to the restaurant solo. Instead of feeling lonely, I found a sense of independence and self-confidence I never expected. University is as much about making friends as it is about getting to know yourself.

If feelings of loneliness start affecting your wellbeing, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Wellbeing Team - they’re always happy to help. 

By Estrella, a first-year Journalism, Media, and Culture student and Student Content Creator