Studying for your Masters degree at university can feel a bit daunting sometimes, whether you’re continuing your studies right after undergrad or returning after a long break. However, as you work towards achieving this very big milestone in your life and feel lonely or unsure of how to go about meeting new people, MA Digital Media and Creative Industries student Anamika has got you covered.
As an introvert myself, making new friends felt overwhelming, but I also knew I needed to make active efforts to meet and connect with new people. Our university hosts regular events ranging from your parties, interests, hobbies, careers, or experiences. These events are an easier and non-formal way to connect and socialise. Some of the ones I have attended are the Halloween party, Christmas markets, LGBTQ+ coffee social, Arts and crafts, the festive soiree and the Law career fair.
Here are my top tips for how you can socialise with other students at the University of Birmingham and make meaningful connections:
Classroom: So obviously, this is no surprise, but the first opportunity you have to make friends at university is in your own classroom as these are the people you’ll share the most common interests with. However, I’m going to tell you an unorthodox way I made a lot of friends in my class. During the first two to three weeks, I always made sure to sit next to a complete stranger in every class because it would give me a chance to talk to somebody new instead of just sticking with the first person I met. This helped me interact more with students in my cohort.
Connect on Instagram: Follow the university’s main page, the Guild of Students page, as well as your College’s page. These accounts always post updates on events happening in/around campus so you can find events aligned with your interest and attend them.
Check your email: Keep an eye out for your student newsletters to attend upcoming parties or events. The university also regularly sends emails about upcoming careers fairs, writing workshops or other extra curricular activities on campus.
Guild Website: The Guild’s website is a great place to check out societies. There are over 300+ student groups with a lot of interesting activities. These societies generally have weekly activities you can attend and build your
community with.
Departmental activities: Each department in the university conducts its own meet up sessions, academic workshops and festive events, so keep an eye out for posters or updates on email and social media. These are the best times to socialise with people from other disciplines in your college and interact with like-minded peers.
These are just a few of the things I’ve done during my time here that have really helped me meet new people and explore my various interests, and create fun memories. I think the key for me was to take a small step out of my comfort zone!