If you’re anything like me, you may be worried about meeting new people within the university’s huge student community. I was surprised, however, at how many different groups of friends I made in such a short time. Here’s where I met some of my best friends at York.
My first new friends
The very first people I met, much like many other first-years, were my flatmates. I first introduced myself to my flatmate opposite, as we had both arrived early on moving-in day. I was amazed that I had already met someone with so much in common! We all spent a lot of time together during Welcome Week. We also made friends within our college by going to their welcome events.
Over the year we stayed quite close despite our widening social groups. I felt very fortunate that I was able to spend the year living with such a lovely group of people. Having this initial community to turn to made the beginning of university feel far less daunting. But even if you don’t click with your flatmates, don’t worry. There are plenty of other places to meet new people.
Social opportunities in your academic life
You will be studying alongside people who have chosen to pursue the same subject as you. It’s easy to find friends when there are plenty of opportunities for groupwork and study sessions, whether you have hundreds of coursemates or only a few. In my experience, many of my friends are in my department – Environment & Geography – but are on different degree courses. Many first-years share lectures with students on related courses, so for example if you choose to study Biochemistry, you’ll also be around people studying Biology and Chemistry.
Even late in the year, practicals and seminars are great for meeting new people. If you’re nervous, these academic settings naturally provide built-in conversation starters with your coursemates.
Trying new hobbies and putting yourself out there
I expected to spend the most time with my academic community, but the University of York Boat Club (UYBC) has unexpectedly become my largest social circle.
Coming to York, I wanted to keep fit and continue writing, so my first-week mission was to find societies that matched those interests. Welcome Week ensured that I wasn’t short of choice! There were many fantastic student media societies I could choose from, and plenty of sports societies to fit any niche. From all levels of football to underwater hockey to ultimate frisbee, there was something for everyone.
Initially, I planned to join the UoY Karate club, as I went to a club for years before coming to York, but instead I wanted to try something new and signed up for a rowing taster session. I didn’t think I would be much good as I had never done anything like it before, but joining UYBC has created some of my best memories at York.
Off-campus communities
Opportunities such as work, volunteering, and of course, a good night out, really help you to find friends outside the university setting. While club nights aren’t usually my thing, I did do the Student Union’s Viking Raid – a big bar crawl across the city – to kick off the academic year. It was a great introduction to the city’s nightlife. I surprisingly ran into people from my accommodation block and my department, the latter of whom I now work with closely in labs.
Working and volunteering in York is also great if you fancy meeting people outside of university, who may or may not be students but can still play a huge role in shaping your experience of living in the city.
Finally…
Don’t worry about meeting new people! Be yourself and follow your own passions. I was surprised at just how many people I was lucky enough to meet who had similar interests, just by doing things I enjoyed. Chat to others in your seminar group, invite your flatmates to a trip into the city centre, join a volunteering group, go to taster sessions for societies you find interesting, even if you’ve never done anything like it before.
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