by Beckie Knowles

Created on: September 20, 2009   Last Updated: September 23, 2009

Everyone has the same fears about living away from home for the first time and starting University. Missing your old friends and family, not being able to look after yourself properly and finding it hard to make friends are all common worries among first years.

However, it's a lot easier to make new friends than you think! The thing to remember is that almost all the other people starting University are in the same position as you. Because people have travelled from all over the country to attend your institute of education, the chances are that nobody will know each other and there's almost certainly other students who have left their family and friends further away than you have.

Don't be shy to say hi. You're not the only person that wants to make friends. The first step is always the hardest. Once you've broken the ice and introduced yourself, conversation will almost certainly follow. Freshers have a lot in common. Ask how their journey to halls was, who brought them and if they are nervous about starting University. Discuss your courses. Students in shared accommodation are often mixed up. You'll make friends in your halls and on your course.

Showing respect to other people will certainly not lose you any friends. You'll find that all student accommodation has a handful of loud, boulshy residents. Be respectful in how much noise you make, especially at night, remember your manners and keep your jokes clean. There will be other students of all races and religions, social backgrounds and with their own individual opinions. Offending someone on your first night won't be a great step towards making friends.

Take as many opportunities to mingle with other students as you can. Freshers Week is notorious good fun, as well as being the perfect chance to meet new people. What better way to break the ice and get talking than over a drink and playing games? Again, everyone is in the same boat as you. What's the worst that could happen from saying 'hi'?

Joining clubs and socities is a great path to making friends with the same interests as you. For example, joining a film club gives you loads to talk about with the other members. Ask questions and join in on outings. If you get invited out to the pub afterwards, go for it! You won't make friends sitting in your room by yourself.

The best way to make new friends at University is to say 'yes' to social activities, be friendly and willing to ask questions. Listening is important. Make an effort to remember people's names and at least one fact about them. This makes it easier to put a face you recognise into context and helps you start a conversation. Find places where people with the same interests as you hang out and most of all, take a chance and say 'hi' to new people. University friends are for life. Make the most of meeting all these new people!

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