Published on
How to make friends at university
So, you're about to start university and wondering the age-old question many of us have asked before—how will I actually make friends?
Some comforting news is that everyone will be in the same boat. Whether you're going to live on campus in one of our student residences or commute to your classes from elsewhere, there are so many ways to connect with fellow students here at ANU.
1. Say yes to welcome events
The first few weeks at uni can feel like an absolute whirlwind. They're made up of O-week, welcome events and a whole lot of icebreaker games you swore you'd never do again after school (better get those fun facts ready!). But these are the moments when making friends at uni begins.
Simply agreeing to that group hangout or chatting to somebody at a club market stall might feel small at the time, but it's how you can connect with new people. Plus, those initial campus events at the start of the semester are designed for meeting people—so you won't be alone in feeling unsure.
If you're living on campus, chances are your residence will have lots of fun events that are perfect for meeting ANU buddies. Trivia nights, movie marathons and ressie dinners are goldmines for finding friends at uni.
Your first year at ANU will be full of fun events perfect for making friends.
2. Find people through ANU student activities
Getting involved in activities organised by students is one of the best ways to meet new people at uni. Whether it's joining a club, society or event, activities organised by students for students are perfect spaces for connecting with like-minded people while doing something you enjoy.
At ANU, there's no shortage of options, with over 110 clubs and societies covering everything from music and arts to sports and niche hobbies—so there's bound to be something that fits your vibe and attracts the people you would like to meet.
We recommend the ANU Kitchen Garden Program if you're into hands-on, earthy experiences. It's a fun initiative where students grow fresh produce, share gardening tips and connect over sustainability.
Feeling shy? No stress. Many student-led activities run relaxed events like coffee catchups, workshops or casual meetups, making getting to know others in the ANU community easier.
Tip: Try out a few activities until you find the right fit. No one's keeping score.
ANU club members will always happily explain their club to you so you feel welcome.
3. Embrace study groups
Group projects and study sessions might not be your favourite activity, but they're a great way to connect and get to know people. Bonding over shared challenges, like assignments and deadlines, can quickly create friendships you didn't see coming.
In the first few weeks of your courses, take the leap and ask the person sitting next to you if they want to study together. They may become someone you can grow and learn with.
If you're someone who prefers studying solo, that's okay too. You don't need to spend countless hours in a group. A quick session to share notes or test each other before exams can be a low-pressure way to break the ice and connect.
Tip: Make your tutorials or workshops an opportunity to form small groups. If you're nervous about asking to join in, chances are someone else is too. All it takes is a few seconds to say hello.
4. Get comfortable being a little bit uncomfortable
A big part of making friends at uni means putting yourself out there —and yes, that can feel a little uncomfortable at first. Maybe it's having a coffee after class with somebody you sit with or setting up a group chat with people you met at a uni event. It can even mean attending a club meeting solo (which might feel intimidating, but they will welcome you with open arms).
Everyone feels the same mix of nerves and excitement when they start university. Once you push past that initial discomfort, the payoff is worth it. Plus, university is a time to try new things and discover yourself.
Tip: Keep it simple. A good conversation starter is introducing yourself and asking the person what degree they are studying; everything usually flows naturally from there.
ANU has students from across Australia and over 100 countries worldwide, all ready to make new friends and build connections.
5. Be yourself and take a deep breath
This might seem obvious, but it's easy to overthink things when you're in a new place and meeting new people. You don't have to change who you are to make friends. The people you genuinely connect with will like you for you, whether you're extroverted, introverted or somewhere in between
Be curious, but don't worry about trying to impress anybody. Friendships at uni often grow naturally and over time when you feel the most relaxed. So, let your personality shine, whether you're passionately sharing your latest favourite TV or book series or chatting about the next group assignment.
Tip: The friendships you form at uni have the potential to stick around, so focus on quality over quantity. A few solid friends are way better than a hundred acquaintances.
You've got this!
Making friends at university doesn't have to be stressful, so throw out the checklist of rules in your head. It's about showing up and giving yourself time to find your group of people. The ANU campus is welcoming and full of opportunities to meet friends who get you.
So, explore the market stalls, sit next to a new person in a tutorial and say yes to that residential event. Your ANU crew is out there looking for you, too.
