University Life: An opportunity to find friendships that will last forever!
Hello freshers! It’s your VP Education again, this time with a how-to guide on making friends. One thing I take a lot of pride in is the fact that throughout my time at King’s, I made so many amazing friends and I still am finding more people to befriend every other day (Help, I am an extrovert!). Sure, you will have essays and exams, but what will make these years truly memorable will be the friendships you’ll forge. Making friends at Uni is a mix of chance encounters, hilarious mishaps and a sprinkle of genuine connections. Here are a few of my pro-tips on how to navigate this lovely journey and make amazing friends!
Orientations: Your Guardian Angels
Whether you are an undergraduate fresher or a postgrad, whether your course is politics or medicine, you will all have orientations and by now you must already have your schedule. The best way to kickstart your social life at university is to attend these orientations. I know, I know, it gets a little boring at the beginning, but all these orientations include loads of social activities that are designed to make interactions possible. You will find yourself talking to 10 different people in an hour and by the end of the day you will have at least 5 people you really like and the ones you’ll be grabbing pizza with, after the orientation. It is also a great opportunity to meet everyone on your course because, over the year, you might not be able to see some due to different seminar groups. So, tip number 1, attend your orientation, don’t be afraid to talk to as many people as you can and be yourself!
KCLSU Clubs and Societies: Same minds join the same societies.
No, this is not a sneaky KCLSU Promotion, and I am not trying to trick you all to sign up for some KCLSU societies. In all honesty though, the best way to find like-minded people is through societies and clubs. KCLSU has more than 500 societies and I am sure you will find something that you are passionate about. Every course has its own society if you would like to find people from your own course or courses like yours. But if you are someone who sees societies and clubs as more of an extracurricular thing, we have tons of sport societies and some cute ones, like the Wholesome Society. If you are like me and societies must be all about activism and an opportunity to express your opinions, we have societies like Intersectional Feminist Society and Palestinian Society. For my homesick freshers and international students, your country has its own society, and they do tons of events with your cultural food and other things that will make you miss home a little less.
So, tip number 2, join societies to meet new people and those with interests like you, spark a conversation and see the magic!
Campuses mean friends from 5 different places at King’s.
I know, your first instinct would be to stay on your own campus, explore it and find friends there, but trust me when I tell you this, it is so worth it to explore all different campuses and find friends from everywhere. Just because you are based on Strand, you shouldn’t feel like people at Guys can’t be your best friends! Who knows ,Waterloo people, your squad might be somewhere at Denmark Hill, waiting for you to perfectly complete the group? Take the opportunity of Freshers Events to go to all campuses, meet people from these campuses and befriend them. Hopefully, you will find some people who will become a constant reason for you to travel between campuses in the hour break you get during a day full of lectures! So, tip number 3, don’t restrict yourself to your own campus, explore and connect!
Small Talk- The ultimate Uni legend
Ah, small talk — the unsung hero of friendship-making. When you're navigating the maze of university life, it's these little conversations that often lay the groundwork for deeper connections. So, how do you master the mysterious art of small talk?
First off, don't underestimate its power. Ask about weekend plans, inquire about hobbies, or get the lowdown on the latest binge-worthy shows. These seemingly trivial chats serve as bridges to more substantial conversations.
Small talk isn't just about words; it's about listening too. Show genuine interest in what others are saying, ask follow-up questions, and respond with enthusiasm. People love to talk about themselves, so being a good listener can make you an instant friend-magnet.
Remember, the goal isn't to impress with dazzling stories or profound insights. It's about creating a comfortable, enjoyable atmosphere where connections can grow. Embrace the randomness of these interactions, and you'll soon find that the art of small talk is a vital tool in your friendship-making arsenal. So, tip number 4, practice small talk and get ready to charm some people at Uni!
You - The Unique Friend, everyone deserves!
In the whirlwind of making friends at university, it's easy to feel the pressure to conform or act differently to fit in. But here's the golden rule, always be yourself. This isn't just a cliché; it's the secret sauce to lasting, meaningful friendships.
Authenticity is magnetic. Your quirks, your passions, your unique worldview – these are the things that make you, well, you. And guess what? There are people out there who will appreciate and embrace all of it.
When you're true to yourself, you attract friends who genuinely connect with you for who you are, not for a persona you're trying to project. This authenticity not only forms the basis of strong friendships but also ensures that the connections you make are genuine and long-lasting.
So, don't hide your love for obscure hobbies, your penchant for terrible puns, or your quirky fashion sense. Celebrate your individuality, and you'll find friends who celebrate it too. So, tip number 5, be yourself and watch everyone wanting to be your friend!
And there you have it, the fun guide to making friends at university in all its glory! Remember, these years are meant to be some of the most memorable of your life, and the friendships you build along the way are a big part of what makes them so special.
As you embark on this adventure, keep in mind that every chance encounter, every giggle over cafeteria food, and every wild karaoke night is an opportunity to connect with fantastic people who might just become your lifelong friends. Don't stress if it doesn't happen overnight. Friendship, like fine wine, takes time to mature. Be patient and open to new experiences, because you never know when and where you'll meet your next best friend. Amid exams, late-night pizza runs, and all the ups and downs of university life, remember the golden rule: be yourself. Your uniqueness is your superpower when it comes to making friends who appreciate you for who you are.
So, get out there, embrace the chaos, and enjoy every moment. University is a rollercoaster of adventures waiting to be had, and the friendships you make will be the heartwarming soundtrack to your epic journey. And remember if you ever need more tips, a conversation or just want to grab a coffee, you already have a friend in the SU. I will be more than happy to meet you, talk to you, gossip and just have a good time. Reach out at [email protected] or send me a message @kclsuofficers on Instagram.
Cheers to new friends, unforgettable experiences, and a future filled with cherished memories!
Signing off,
Sadaf.