When I first started university, I had no idea how to manage my time, keep engaged in hobbies and interests, grow my social circle or even what facilities and events were available to me. Whichever university you’re at, I can guarantee that your place of study will have the following that you can get involved in.
By Shannon Alexandra
As a person who struggles with low moods and anxiety, pushing myself out of my comfort zone and involving myself with social activities has definitely helped me to come out of my shell a lot more. Sometimes, when I feel that my mental health is suffering, or that I feel overwhelmed with work, the last thing I want to do is socialize. However, I’ve found that it’s a great way to unwind, relax and enjoy your time at university.
Yes, the primary goal of moving to university is to gain a degree. But, it’s also a key learning curb; it will help you grow as a person, help you to be more independent and also teach you a lot about the world of being an adult.
If you choose to live in student accommodation, I’d highly recommend choosing to stay with Hello Student. I’ve lived in a few different student flats and I can hands-down say that the accommodation I’m currently living in (Provincial House, Sheffield) is the most social and chilled out environment.
Hello Student put you at the forefront of their priorities; your social aspect of uni life matters to them too! Just the other day, my management hosted an afternoon tea party, free of charge, open to all (including friends who don’t live at the property). I went on my own and met some amazing people, enjoyed a glass of prosecco and a slice of cake!
If you choose to live in a shared flat, that’s an extra bonus! You’ll be living with like-minded people who, no doubt, will become amazing friends. Furthermore, if there’s an issue with a flatmate, you can raise this with your management and they can handle this with empathy and complete discretion.
Societies are a great way to find like-minded people at your university. There’s a society for pretty much everything. At Sheffield Hallam, some of my friends are in the rock climbing society, whereas some are in the online gaming society.
My best friend is in the pole fitness and netball societies and I’m currently in the Biology society. It’s essentially a group of people who have weekly or fortnightly meetings to chat over all things topical and even attend social events together (trips away, nights out etc).
I recently visited the London Science Museum with my Biology society – it was a great way to spend time with some amazing people and I’ve made friends for life by joining this group of people!
You can usually find out about societies from your university website or attending the Freshers’ fair.
Circling back around to student accommodation, a great way to meet new people is by choosing an accommodation with great social communal areas. As I said before, I’m currently staying in Provincial House which comprises of stunning flats, a cinema, a gym and a great common room.
The cinema is kitted out with a projector, over twenty bean-bag cinema chairs and a widescreen. There are often people watching films in there, which you are free to join in with. Otherwise, you could pop a notice on the notice board of a film you’re planning on showing and invite people to come along!
The gym is spacious and fully kitted out with multiple machines, weights, music, aircon and a TV. You could ask someone already in the gym if they can spot weights for you, help you count reps, etc. It’s a great way to make new friends to motivate you to exercise!
The common room has a huge TV, multiple sofas/chairs, lounging areas, desk space and even a ping-pong table! There is often a mixture of people watching TV, studying, pre-drinking, chatting