Friendships in class
The easiest (and probably the most obvious) way to make friends is right under your nose – in class, with dozens of other people around your age probably going through the same thing as you are. There are multiple reasons why making friends in class is a priority: you’re studying the same subject, so you likely have similar interests that can help make connections and form bonds. Moreover, having friends in the same study is just very fun: you can form study groups, work on projects together, and basically go through student life together. In my experience, university friendships take a while to blast off – it takes a few modules to naturally progress. Don’t force it, and don’t stress too much about it! Friendships will come over time.
If you’re looking for tips on how to start conversations with people in your class, here’s one. I saw one of my current friends open his laptop, noticed that his screensaver was a Boeing 747, and the conversation just flowed from there. Try to find common interests that you may have and let those be conversation starters – that’s why having a hobby is super important! Hobbies give you even more things to work with when you’re looking to build your social life.
Student associations
If you want to do something worthwhile next to your studies (while also making friends, of course!), nothing beats joining an association. With over 100 different clubs to choose from, UT’s student associations are the heart and soul of student life. Looking to improve in a certain sport or skill? There’s probably an association for that. Want to try something completely new? There’s definitely an association for that!
Joining an association is a great way to become more involved in the university, which in itself is a great way to socialise: by becoming more involved, more opportunities to talk to people appear. I joined my main association, Ockham, due to me being a part of the Honours programme, so aside from having my friends over at Mechanical Engineering, I also have friends I can relax with after class and during Ockham-related activities. Being involved doesn’t necessarily mean that you need to be a board member or something, just that you show up to activities and introduce yourself to people. If you’re a student at the University of Twente, you’ll never long for company if you know where to look, and if you’re willing to put in the effort.
Kick-In
Before your studies even begin, you have the opportunity to join the famous UT Kick-In! The Kick-In is a fantastic opportunity to make friends before classes start and partake in the activities that will take you all around the campus and Enschede.
The Kick-In has this system where you’re divided into do-groups between your cohort, and each do-group is comprised of a handful of future students and a few ‘do-group parents’ who are older students. Do-groups can feel intimidating if you haven’t met anyone yet – therefore, use the GOIN’ app that the university provides for you!
GOIN’ app
The GOIN’ app is a meeting platform for future students. Therefore, it’s perfect to get to know some people before the Kick-In actually starts! Be sure to use it to your advantage, from meeting up with new people to getting to know your future classmates and finding people with the same interests as you.
Regardless, the Kick-In serves as a fun and exciting way to ‘party out’ the week and motivate you for class later on. The people in your do-group may or may not become lasting friends, but you’ll definitely meet new people during this one-week period!
Be kind!
You’ll become a people magnet if you exhibit this one trait: kindness. Being a good person in general will make other people flock to you – everyone wants some kindness in their life. So remember to not be too hard on yourself or on others, to be kind to yourself and your new friends, because being in this new environment takes courage and effort to maintain. Kindness transcends all other methods for making friends, and rewards not only you but the people around you.
For me, the very first day of university was a nerve-racking one, mostly because I barely knew any people going into my programme. Over time, I made good friends and watched as others gravitated towards each other. As long as you open up and let go of your worries a bit, friends will come to you. Remember, again, that everyone is in the same boat, and people are probably just as nervous as you are. Friendships will come with time, and until then, enjoy your studies!
