Going to university can be both a really exciting time and an incredibly nerve-wracking one. Moving away from family and your friends can feel isolating, especially if this is your first time away from home.
Making friends at university is going to take some level of effort on your part, and it’s important to remember that most other people are going to be in a similar position to you and might be just as nervous approaching others to form friendships.
With five universities (The University of Manchester, Manchester Metropolitan University, University of Salford, University of Bolton and University Academy 9) in the Manchester region and over 100’000 students enrolled across the city, there’s certainly no shortage of opportunity for bond-forming and friendship-making here.
Whether you’re moving to Manchester soon or you’re already a resident, to help you narrow down these endeavours into something meaningful and manageable, we’ve put together some tips on things you can do at university to encourage friendships to form. With that in mind, here’s our quick guide on making friends at university in Manchester.
GETTING ACTIVE
In a city so synonymous with sport, and particularly football, you’ll be spoiled for choice with sports clubs, teams, fitness centres, and gyms in Manchester. And with such institutions comes disciplined, like-minded members, always willing to welcome fresh, enthusiastic faces to the club.
There are many great reasons to join a sports club or team at your university, but the social aspect is one of the most appealing. The sense of teamwork and camaraderie that you develop when playing sports may also lead to good friendships outside of the gym, especially if you invite some of your team for lunch or coffee afterwards, or even arrange a night out for everyone to get to know each other.
You might find that some friendship groups had already formed before you joined, but don’t let that deter you. Be open and honest with others and tell them you’re looking to hang out with some people because you’re feeling a bit lonely. Most people will understand and gladly bring you into the fold.
And even if you’re not the most physically active type, Manchester offers ample chance to join member’s clubs focused on watching sport. You could become an official member of Manchester United or Manchester City, or join one of the University of Manchester’s many sports clubs and societies. From archery to yoga, check out a full list here.
The other universities in the city offer a similarly extensive collection of societies. Speaking of which…
JOINING SOCIETIES
Similar to joining a sports team, joining a society is another brilliant way to make friends. Societies are filled with like-minded people who wish to bond over a particular topic, activity, or sport, and they regularly hold social events as part of a group.
There are over 100 different student societies and clubs at Manchester Metropolitan University alone – and that’s just one out of five universities in the region – meaning there really is something for everyone here.
Joining a society is a great idea for someone struggling to fit into a friendship group around campus, so have a browse through the societies that are available at your university. If nothing takes your fancy, you could even start your own society instead and encourage people who share your interest to join.
DATING
If you’re happily in a relationship, then move on to the next header! But if you’re single and ready to mingle, then you’ll know that dating can play a huge part in university life, and searching for romance can lead to some strong friendships along the way, even if it doesn’t result in happily-ever-afters.
According to Datingroo’s dating tips for Manchester singles, the website MeetUp regularly hosts singles events in the city. They go on to recommend some of the top bars for dating in Manchester, singling out (geddit?) Lola Lo Manchester and Whiskey Down Manchester, as well as On Bar, Manchester’s hottest gay club, for praise.
Alternatively, you could use one of the UK’s many dating apps. With Manchester last year named as the fastest-growing tech city in Europe, it’s a place that boasts some of the best coverage and most connected citizens around.
Before you do sign up and start swiping, check out these tips on staying safe when using dating apps.
SPEAKING TO COURSE MATES
There’s no guarantee you’re going to click with others studying your course, but there’s no harm in giving it a try. The chances are you’ll be able to find someone who had similar reasons for choosing the same subject as you, and you may have much more in common with your classmates than you first thought.
Once again, it’s so important to remember that all your class are in the same boat as you are. Reach out to others in your class to see if you have anything in common, and a new friendship may start to blossom!
And if you’re looking for the perfect place to hang out with your new friends, then check out these 5 of the best restaurants near Manchester Piccadilly.