Making friends and meeting people

When you’re at uni, there are loads of ways to meet like-minded students, like joining societies, signing up to free language classes, or dropping into your hall’s socials.

But there are also lots of ways you can get out and about in the city and meet many more people that you have things in common with.

Making friends at uni

Meeting new people and making friends is a big part of your time here in Portsmouth, not only during your first few weeks, but after as well. It can be a daunting task, but it needn’t be.

You may feel very happy with your group of friends now. And that’s great. But if you do feel you’d like to meet more people, there are plenty of ways to do it.

Whatever you're studying, you'll meet people with different interests and hobbies who might be your future friends. You could meet them through your friends at home, on your course, through interest groups, in your hall of residence, in your private accommodation, or in the local community. Take a look at these various ways to meet people.

Where you're living

Your accommodation is one of the first places you'll meet new people. Our halls of residence are very sociable places. If you're in private accommodation, your housemates will probably want to chat and get to know you.

When you're in your room, leave your door open so you can say hello to housemates as they walk past. It's more welcoming than keeping it closed and housemates are more likely to say hi through an open door than knock on a closed one.

Find opportunities to talk to the people you live with. If you see a new housemate struggling to carry in their stuff, offer to help. You'll probably strike up a conversation and might make a new friend.

Once you've met people in your accommodation, you could offer to cook a meal, suggest going out as a group, walk with them to lectures or organise a weekend day trip.

On your course

You're at uni to get a degree, but classes are also a great way to meet new people and make friends. You’re studying the same subject, so you have that in common as a starting point.

If you don’t feel that you know everyone on your course yet, see if you can sit next to someone new instead of sitting alone during lectures. If you keep seeing the same face at lectures, ask them if they want to grab a coffee after class instead of heading straight home. Or see if anyone wants to set up a library study group so you can bounce ideas off each other, rather than studying on your own.

When you get to your seminars, sit at group tables with other students. The time before the lecturer arrives is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself and learn new names.

In a society or sports team

When you started university, you automatically became a member of the Students' Union. See if there are any societies or sports teams that interest you, where you could meet like-minded people.

You can talk to representatives of the societies and teams at Freshers’ Fair, or find out more on the Students' Union website.

If you want to play competitive sport, join an official sports club that takes part in competitions, and make friends with others on the team.

Through the Global Office social events

Our Global Office runs regular social events, which are open to all our students. These are educational and fun ways to make new friends and include cultural events, excursions to places of interest and theatre visits.

Join the University of Portsmouth - Global Community group on Facebook for updates.

Through mutual friends

Meeting a friend of a friend can be a great way to start your friendship group at uni.

Ask your friends from home if they know anyone in Portsmouth who you might get on with. You could also post on social media asking if anyone knows someone studying or living in the city.

6 tips for meeting people

Look out for new social opportunities – keep an eye on the Students' Union website and your departmental notice boards
Say yes to new experiences – go to lunch or an event when asked and get to know new people better
Be welcoming – have an open, friendly and warm attitude when meeting people, especially if you enjoy their company
Spend time in different friendship groups – don't confine yourself if you get along with different people
Remember you're not alone – the majority of people you meet also want new friends, so approach others who might be shy or nervous
Listen – take the time to listen and show interest in other people and they'll often show the same kindness to you

Being part of a society is always fun and a great way to make friends. I was part of the Arts and Crafts Society, where we met once a week and did different crafts, talked and relaxed. I also took part in the student associate scheme where I volunteered in a primary school twice a week for a while.

Lyncia Mande, BA (Hons) English Language and Linguistics

Meeting people in the community

Familiarise yourself with our city expand your network of friends and contacts and get involved with groups and projects that look great on your CV.

Volunteering or part-time work

Volunteering with like minded people feels good, boosts your CV, and means you get to be involved in some fantastic projects.

You could help run a local cinema, teach children in schools to read, or put the skills you’ve learned on your course to help with a good cause.

Find local volunteering opportunities through the University’s Careers team.

You can also earn money and meet new people by finding part-time employment. Make sure you strike a balance between work and study time.

Explore part-time work opportunities

Join a community group

Portsmouth has a range of diverse communities and groups which are great sources of information and support networks. They're often looking for volunteers, running events, or can offer you help and guidance from others with similar experiences.

Find out more about the cultural and faith groups in the wider city through HIVE.

Local events

MeetUp and Eventbrite are great websites for finding out what’s on locally in the city, including free or cheap events, workshops, and courses. Network with young professionals, join a book club, join a photography club and more

Sports and activities

No matter what activity you’re interested in, you’ll be able to find a club or group locally offering you the chance to stay active and well. As well as the clubs on offer from our own Sports and Recreation team, there are plenty of affordable activities happening locally.

Local ParkRun and GoodGym clubs give you the chance to join social runs, and volunteer in the local community.

Elsewhere Portsmouth is home to local sports clubs ranging from archery and badminton to volleyball and wrestling. Search online to find a club that suits you

Find others who share your hobbies

Whatever you’re passionate about, or whatever hobbies you’re interested in exploring, you’ll probably be able to find a class or group in Portsmouth you can get involved in.

If it's board games you’re into, there are weekly social gaming sessions at Dice Board Games lounge, or if you want to sample salsa, there are social salsa dancing sessions at Fortuna’s Bar & Kitchen every Thursday.

Search online to find events near you.