How I made friends at university
The first few weeks: new faces, new nerves
This blog post is written by Emily, a third-year Nursing student at York St John University.
Starting university at York St John was one of the most exciting yet nerve-wracking times of my life. Moving away from home, stepping into a brand-new environment, and not knowing anyone can feel overwhelming. I remember feeling nervous during the first few weeks, wondering how I would meet people and make real friendships. But looking back now, I realise that putting myself out there, being confident, and saying “yes” to the right opportunities helped me build the friendships I have today.
Saying yes to socials (that you enjoy)
One of the best decisions I made was to attend as many socials and events at York St John as possible—especially the ones that genuinely interested me. I know it can feel awkward or intimidating at first to go to a place where you don’t know anyone, but stepping out of my comfort zone was the first step to making connections. During Freshers’ Week, I said yes to movie nights, quiz nights, going out for food and drinks. Every event gave me the chance to meet new people, and each small conversation built my confidence.
Finding friends beyond my course
The key for me wasn’t just making friends on my course—it was also about connecting with people from other accommodations and doing things outside of lectures. Some of my closest friends ended up being people I met through shared flats, communal areas, or mutual friends at social events. We’d hang out in the evenings, cook together, and explore the city. At the same time, I also built great friendships with people on my course at York St John, especially through group projects and shared study sessions. Having friends both in and outside of my course gave me a nice balance. It helped make university life feel fuller and more connected.
Confidence is key
One of the biggest things that helped me make friends was learning to be okay with doing things alone at first. It was daunting walking into events or socials by myself, but I realised that pushing myself in those moments often led to the best outcomes. Going solo meant I was more open to meeting new people rather than sticking with a familiar group. Whether it was attending a quiz night, joining a society taster session, or just sitting in a common room where others were hanging out, being on my own encouraged me to start conversations and be more approachable. It wasn’t always easy, but each time I stepped out of my comfort zone, I felt more confident, and those small efforts often turned into genuine connections.
Be yourself, and the right people will find you
One thing I learned is that you don’t have to be extroverted to make friends—you just have to be willing to show up and be yourself. The more confident I became in doing that, the easier it was to form real connections. I also reminded myself that not every social interaction has to lead to a best friend; sometimes it’s just about sharing a good moment, and that’s okay too.
Looking back and moving forward
Looking back, I’m proud of how I handled my first year at York St John. I now have a solid group of friends whom I laugh with, study with, and can count on. If you’re starting uni soon—especially here at York St John—my advice is simple: be confident in who you are, go to events that align with your interests, and say yes to the things that excite you. Friendships often grow in unexpected ways—you just must give them the space to begin.
To find out more tips on how to navigate student life, especially if you’re a new student here at YSJ, check Amy’s blog, where she shares what she wishes someone had told her before starting university.