One of my biggest worries about starting university was having to make new friends. I was scared that I wouldn’t have anyone to sit beside in lectures or to socialise with. Fast forward to my second year, and I have an incredibly diverse group of friends that I love to spend time with, both on and off campus. Here are some of my tips on how to meet new people and make friends at Queen’s University!

1. Join a society

The easiest way to meet new people at university is to join a society. The Freshers Fair is a great opportunity to sign up for societies and to meet people with similar interests. My friend and I signed up together to Art Society and we’ve loved attending events together! I think it’s a good idea to sign up for societies related to your course and also recreational societies, to strike a good balance between work and relaxation. Queen’s has over 200 societies to choose from, meaning there’s something for everyone!

^{I painted this at a free taster evening hosted by the Art Society during Freshers Week!}

2. Host a potluck

Everyone loves good food, and what better way to spend an evening than to host a potluck? My friends and I became closer as a group after sharing meals together, as it gave us an opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations whilst enjoying our food. We did a Christmas themed potluck and it was great fun! You could try hosting a potluck with your flat mates to get to know them better, or with the people on your floor if you’re living in student accommodation.

^{Hosting a potluck is a great way to get to know your flat mates}

3. Form a study group

I find group study to be one of the best ways for learning content. It’s motivating, plus I believe it helps me improve my teamworking skills. I’m part of two study groups and have really enjoyed becoming not only a better medical student, but also a better friend, as I’ve strengthened my friendships through working together.

Forming a study group can seem challenging, but it doesn’t have to be! Try asking a couple of people in your tutorial sessions if they’d be interested in studying together, or if that doesn’t work, sometimes working on your own individual work whilst sitting together with a few of your course mates in the McClay Library can also help you start to form friendships.

^{I've strengthened my friendships by working together in study groups}

4. Attend lectures

Whilst it can seem simple, attending lectures can really help you make friends with others on your course. As someone who enjoys talking with people and face to face teaching, I found the social aspect of lectures helped my mental health, as often after lectures we’d go for lunch in one of the many restaurants located on the Lisburn Road.

5. Spend time on campus

As a first-year student, I found that spending lots of time on campus helped me meet new people and allowed me to feel like I was part of the university community. One of my favourite places on campus is the One Elmwood Student Centre, especially in the evenings, as there are often free events running in the Union Bar. Additionally, many societies run taster events, making it easier to not only try something new, but to make new friends!

^{My favourite place on Queen's campus is the One Elmwood Student Centre}

Final words…

I remember feeling scared that I hadn’t met ‘my people’ during the first few weeks of starting, but later realised that it takes time to form new friendships and connections with people. Remember that the majority of people you’ll meet are also probably feeling the same way, don’t be worried to put yourself out there and try to enjoy your time in Belfast!

Find out more

Study Medicine at Queen's

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Life at Queen's: Your Student Guide

Radhika Gupta Medicine | Undergraduate Student | Derry, Northern Ireland Hi! My name is Radhika, I’m 19 years old and originally from Derry. I’m currently a second-year medical student and so far, I’ve been loving my course and time in Belfast! I like to spend weekends exploring the city with my friends and trying to find good places to eat/drink. My hobbies include photography, reading and yoga! This year I’m trying to become more involved in university activities, so you may see me around campus as I’m a student ambassador, plus I also love spending time in the Student Union with my friends in the evenings! I’m a member of various medical societies like SWOT and WOMED, and also recreational societies like Chess and Arts!