We hope you’re having a great time in Swansea so far. We know that moving away from home and starting this new chapter can be both exciting and challenging, especially when it comes to making new friends. Whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, there are plenty of opportunities for you to connect with your peers and build meaningful relationships during your time here:
Create a study group – Forming study groups not only helps you academically but also allows you to get to know your peers. You’re studying the same subject, so you’ve already got at least one shared interest. Use that as a conversation starter!
Join a society – Our Students’ Union supports a huge range of societies, from sports and hobbies to cultural and academic groups. Joining a society related to your interests is a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
Get active –Whether you are new to sport and physical activity or you’re a budding athlete, you’ll find the right opportunities for you here. Rugby, netball, extreme frisbee, Quidditch, and pretty much everything in between- find your new team or social league on our sport webpages.
If team sport isn’t your thing, you can meet new people by coming along to one of our Get Active sessions or joining the gym.
For those of you who like to be active at a gentler pace, our amazing CampusLife team deliver meditation, yoga, stretching workshops and loads of fun outings throughout the year. You should check them out!
Use social media – there are lots of different social media groups and pages for new Swansea University students, so why not join them and get to know people online first? You can also find groups related to your hobbies and interests in your local area.
Explore Swansea – Swansea is a vibrant and inclusive city with plenty on offer. You could meet fellow students by heading out to some local cafes, bars and events. Our Students’ Union host loads of events on and around campus too. You can check out the full list on their What’s On page. There’s something for everyone and they don’t all involve alcohol and late nights!
Volunteer your time – Taking part in volunteering activities is a great way to meet new people and learn new skills whilst making a positive impact on the community. Here in Swansea, we work closely with Discovery Student Volunteering, so that’s a great place to start.
Walk With Molly – Have you met Molly, our unofficial but fabulous campus mascot? She’s a gorgeous golden retriever and she’s just oh-so-fluffy. You can catch her outside Fulton House on Thursdays between 12pm and 1pm. The CampusLife team have also organised mregular dog walks with Molly. You can find more information here. Pop along to meet other (dog-loving) students and stretch your legs at the same time.
We hope you’ve found this information useful. Remember that making friends takes time, and it’s okay to feel a bit nervous initially. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be discouraged by any setbacks. Swansea University is a diverse and welcoming community, and you will find friends who share your interests and values! If you ever need to talk to someone or get advice about mental health, or how to cope with feelings of loneliness, please take a look at our support and wellbeing services.