Where to meet like-minded students at Newcastle University

To be clear, no one should have their social life sorted out in the first week of university. Though there may a underlying internal pressure to meet your people and make a multitude of friends, there is no reality behind this. You will meet people organically throughout the year and find friendship in the most unlikely places, not just your flat or in induction week. All this aside, here are a few starting points to meeting new people and finding friends.

University Societies are the best place to start. There are over 160 societies to pick from, ranging from politics to poker and beyond. If you are not sure where to start, joining your degree subject society can connect you with people in your course, creating a support system within your day to day life as you attend lectures and seminars. Most of these societies memberships are £5, and a list can be found on the Newcastle University Student Union website with information and prices detailed. Don’t be put off because you didn’t join in the first week - societies will be welcoming to members all year round. There are volunteering opportunities, too, including Student Media - The Courier, Student Radio, and NUTV.

Sports Clubs (and fitness-focused societies, like Pilates Society) are a fantastic way to make friends and get active, which is also a sure way to improve wellbeing. Most clubs have regular socials which gives you plenty of opportunities to meet people and create friendships. Check with the committee of the club, but some sports societies will accept new members after the first week, and if not, you can join at the beginning of the second semester in February. Also, within certain societies there are sports teams, such as the Architecture society's netball and football teams which can are perfect for people who want to play sport more socially.

Approaching people after lectures and seminars can feel daunting, but it is important to remember that everyone around you is in the same boat and wants to make friends. Asking if someone wants to get coffee, lunch or drinks is a great way to begin a friendship and after the first time, it becomes much less nerve-wracking the more you do it.

Ultimately the Student's Union here at Newcastle provides so many opportunities to get involved in clubs, societies, volunteering, and even part-time positions within the SU. If you ever feel lost or isolated, look at the website for events and opportunities or contact someone through Welfare and Support.