Meeting new people and socialising doesn't come easily or naturally to everyone, and that's OK. Check out our tips on overcoming the initial hurdle of introductions, and hopefully make some lifelong friendships at Uni!
Making Friends
The main thing to keep in mind is that everyone is in the same boat! You're all moving out for the first time, and the chances are that none of you will know anyone else, so no matter how nervous you are about moving in, your housemates will be feeling the same.
There are loads of societies and sports teams to get involved in, and this is one of the best ways to meet like-minded people. Take a look at our societies and sports pages and see what's on offer, or get in touch with our amazing Societies and Services off
If you're feeling social, make use of JCs, our on-campus bar. Weekly karaoke nights, open mic nights, pub quizzes, games nights, and more - guaranteed awesome atmosphere!
Top Tips for Making Friends
What Interests You?
Find those who like the same things as you - supporting our sports teams, joining a team or society, or taking part in an event like Paint and Sip is a great way to meet people that you will probably already share some common ground with
Get Social (Media)
Follow teams and societies on Facebook, X, TikTok, and Instagram. Not only will you be kept up to date with events and activities, but you can get to know the people involved and feel more at ease when you do decide to meet up at a social event irl
Make sure you're part of our Freshers group on Facebook - and while you're there, give our page a like and follow too!
Of Course You Can
Not ready to delve into the world of sports and societies just yet? That's OK, it can be overwhelming to take everything in when you first arrive at uni. Why not get to know some people on your course? Check for Facebook groups for your course and year, and reach out to other students online and talk about the course.
If your course doesn't have a group - why not create one?
Shared Space
Hang out in the communal areas, and get to know some familiar faces around campus. Maybe you'll bump into someone on your course or society - a lot of socs will have hoodies or tees with the society name printed on them (have you seen our new print shop?), so it will be easy to spot like-minded people
Don't Force It
If you aren't vibing with someone or maybe you feel like you're putting more effort into the friendship, don't hang on to it just because you have made a friend - it's OK to break up with a friend or take a step back. Not everyone is meant to be friends, not all personalities are compatible!
Advice and Support Services
Your SU has a dedicated Advice and Support Centre that can offer support on a number of issues including mental health concerns. We also have a wonderful Welfare Officer, Abi, as part of our 2023-24 FTO team. Abi is usually on Singleton campus, her office is in the Faraday Building. From Abi:
"Hey there! I'm Abigail, your Welfare Officer. I’m here to ensure that every student feels heard, supported, and ready to make the most of their university experience. Feel free to share your thoughts and ideas with me because together, we can improve our community and your experience. From organizing events promoting mental well-being to providing resources for personal growth, to running various campaigns, I'm here to ensure you feel right at home. I can't wait to meet you all and be part of your exciting journey!"
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need to - your SU is here to help and we want you to have the best experience at Swansea Uni!