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By on July 10, 2015 in Academic Life
Image by Uwww.audio-luci-store.it on Flickr

Image by Uwww.audio-luci-store.it on Flickr

Arriving that first day on campus can be unnerving and have you wondering if you’re ever going to make any friends. Going to a university far away or without any high school friends may seem scary at first, but fear not: you will make many friends! While high school may have been a bit cliquey, university is full of many people who are new as well and open to making new friends.

If you live on residence, the first thing to do is make friends with your roommate(s). Depending on your living arrangements, you may only have one person to live with, or multiple people. No matter the amount, it’s always smart to be good friends with people you are living with. For the first couple of weeks (if not the next four years!) they will be your best friends. You and your roommates are all experiencing the campus together for the first time, which will help you bond.

For those living in a dorm style residence, you will have an even easier time making friends! The first couple of weeks will be all about getting to know your floormates and becoming great friends with them. Hanging out in the hallway or in a neighbour’s room are pretty common and this definitely helps you bond with your floormates. Get out there and socialize with the people on your floor – they will want to as well.

Worried about making friends when you’re commuting to school and not living on campus? Classes are a perfect location to make new friends and meet other people who will be in your program. It’s as easy as introducing yourself to the person next to you and striking up a conversation with them. Eventually you will end up sitting in your usual spot in class and talking to the people who are usually sitting next to you! Talking to the people around you is the easiest way to make friends in class no matter if you’re in a large lecture or smaller class session.

Make sure to take advantage of all the social opportunities on campus if you’re having trouble making friends in class or in residence. Universities have events, clubs and meetings dedicated to making students friendlier with each other. Clubs are the perfect place to meet people who may be from the same place you’re from or who share the same interests as you. Don’t pass on these opportunities to meet people like you.

Put yourself out there and don’t let shyness stop you from meeting new people. Don’t be afraid to get out and make friends – remember, most first years are feeling the same way you are!

For more help on social life at university check out our 10 tips for a successful first year.

By on June 24, 2013 in Housing
Image by kcolwell, Flickr

Image by kcolwell, Flickr

Living with a total stranger might seem intimidating at first, but you can beat the initial awkwardness by making an effort to get to know your roommate. 

  • Grab a coffee or snack together. If you end up sitting stiffly across from each other in your empty dorm room, walking and talking might be a more comfortable and casual setting for that first conversation.
  • Don’t ignore your roommate! Say hello and goodbye when you enter and leave the room. Ask how their day went, invite them to grab a bite to eat, or introduce them to your friends.
  • If you already have a friend on campus, invite both of your roommates to hang out with the two of you.

Don’t expect to be instant best friends.

  • Focus on living compatibility. If you have a roommate who respects your sleeping schedule, cleanliness standards, and noise level tolerance, you’ve scored big time.
  • It’s nice to make an effort to include your roommate in social activities, but it’s also okay to have different friend groups as long as you can be open, polite, and comfortable while living with each other.
  • Remember, you’ve gone from not even knowing this person existed to living in a room with them. Allow your relationship to grow over time!

Set some boundaries and respect each other’s schedules, property, privacy, and personal space.

  • Respect your roommate’s sleeping schedule. Try not to be noisy or disruptive when they are trying to sleep.
  • Try not to be a slob! Keep your side of the room clean.
  • Don’t wear their clothes or eat their food without permission. Not okay.
  • Simply telling your roommate when you plan to invite friends over is not enough. Ask them if it is okay ahead of time, and don’t pressure them to say yes.

Communicate. Living with someone in close quarters is hard work, and you deserve to feel comfortable in your own living space. It is super important to be able to talk to your roommate about any problems you might be having.

  • Don’t assume your roommate can read your mind! He or she might be completely unaware that he or she does something that bugs you. On that note, ask your roommate if you do anything that bothers them. You might be doing something annoying, too!
  • The idea of confrontation might seem awkward and uncomfortable, but staying silent won’t solve any problems. Your stress and resentment might grow, and the tension will erode your relationship over time.
  • Confrontation doesn’t have to be ugly – you don’t have to be overly critical or argumentative. Try to be calm, patient, honest, and prepared to compromise. Explain what’s bothering you, suggest a solution, and talk about it. Afterward, tell your roommate that you’re going to run out for a coffee, and offer to bring one back for them. It’ll give you both some space.

Be nice. Everyone gets stressed out and homesick at some point during the school year. You are the one person that your roommate will probably see every day – it’ll be nice if you can count on each other for support.

Good luck!