Making Friends at Uni

For new students beginning their degree at Macquarie University my mqtip is to “MAKE FRIENDS AT UNI”.

Socialising and mingling may not be everyone’s cup-of-tea but it sure helps at university.
You may demonstrate shy and introverted characteristics, but know that many other new students are feeling the exact same way.

Through my personal experience – and I’m sure many others wandering around mq uni – I’ve found that establishing connections helps you to settle into uni, and there are so many ways to do so.

The first week of uni, known as “O WEEK” is a great opportunity to make new friends and social connections. Orientation week helps new students to adapt quickly by introducing them to other students, staff and even mentors at mq, who can help answer some of your puzzling questions regarding the format and structure of uni classes and campus life.

When you arrive for “o week” you will be bombarded with the site of big white tents and hundreds of people wanting your attention just to invite you to their society or to join their club. But don’t be alarmed, these are not cults, just clubs – this is normal.
The benefit of joining such clubs and societies is that it can be an easy way to meet people with similar interests to you!!!

After “o week” is of course… WEEK 1 – 13 of your first semester at uni.

For week 1 – this may be the start of your lectures. Run in and jump in a chair next to someone in the theater (well… not literally) because chances are they are looking for friends too!! Don’t make the mistake of assuming that everybody at uni already has friends and knows everyone there, because they don’t!
For week 2 – this may be the week your tutorials or practicals begin. Make sure you get to know the people in your class – maybe even outside the door before class, in order to avoid those class ‘icebreakers’ which actually make things more awkward then ever.
Just think… you already have this particular unit in common, so get chatting!!

The benefit of making friends in both your lectures and tutorials is the additional help you can gather for assignment tips, study notes and even more enjoyable group work.

The social connection you make at uni can potentially be life long, or even semester long at worst. So you have nothing to lose! So get chatting, it will enhance your university experience like you wouldn’t believe.

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     Deandra