If you have chosen to share a flat or house with new people when you start university, or are moving into student accommodation and are feeling a bit anxious about getting to know new people here are some tips to help you get started.
Introduce yourself
When you move in make sure you introduce yourself. If you are moving into student dorms, then leave your room door ajar. This will signal your moving in and people can pop their head in and say hello! Equally you will see people and can make the first move by introducing yourself.
Remember everyone is nervous and some people are shy so be brave and make the first move!
Make a cup of tea
We have a saying in the UK that a cup of tea makes everything better, so offer to make everyone a nice “cuppa” with a side serving of biscuits and you’ll be well on your way to making new friends. This is a gentle way of sparking a conversation because you can ask how people like their tea (in the UK tea making is an art form with many variations on the classic) and you can bond over what you drink back home as your tea equivalent.
Cook a meal
If you can cook, then it is a great way to get to know people. Cook a dish that is your favourite or the national dish of your country. This will make a great talking point and will help you bond with people. It could even become a weekly thing with a different person doing to cooking.
Arrange a party
Being a university student in the UK includes a lot of partying, so why don’t you and the people you live with arrange a party.
It will be something you can plan together which will help you get to know one another better. You will also get to know even more people from your university and your course.
Explore the city together
Arrange trips together so that you all get to know the city better. This will be much more fun and safer It is also a great way to get to know your new home and learn about the local history and traditions whilst bonding with people you live with.
Starting uni is scary enough but if you’re getting your “knickers in a twist” about living with new people then check out these tips on how to make a good impression with your housemates!