Welcome Week: how to break the ice and make friends at your halls of residence

Those first few days away from home raise a big question: Who am I going to hang out with? Meeting new people can be daunting, but halls of residence are the perfect place to build a new social circle.

During your first week, you’ll be able to enjoy a packed programme of activities organised by the Canvas team. The only goal is to encourage residents to connect with one another in a natural and relaxed way. Don’t worry about the pressure – at the moment, nobody has their group sorted yet, and everyone is looking for exactly the same thing as you.

Here are some tips to help you make the most of these days and start building friendships right from the off.

Sign up for whatever takes your fancy

From the moment you arrive, the schedule is packed to the brim. It all kicks off during the welcome week itself, with a special reception (including a buffet and decorations) to give you and your family a warm welcome. During those first few days, you’ll also attend meetings with the on-site team so you can find out about the rules and how the halls of residence work first-hand; a perfect excuse to sit next to someone new.

The key here is exposure. Throughout the first few weeks of September, you’ll enjoy group tours of the city to help you get to know the area, as well as social activities like pizza nights and other events designed specifically to help you settle in. Try to attend as many official events as you can as they’ll come to an end in the last week of the month with the big welcome party, held just when most of the residents have settled in.

Make the most of the group activities: these sessions are specifically designed to encourage interaction. Group activities break the ice for you, so all you need to do is introduce yourself and go with the flow.

Show that you’re engaged: clap, laugh, ask questions. People are drawn to those who radiate positive energy.

Turn the communal areas into your base

Staying in your room is the biggest mistake you can make in the first week. The best friendships develop spontaneously in shared spaces.

• At the gym: it’s the perfect place to meet workout partners. A simple question about how a machine works opens the door to a conversation.
• At the cinema or in a games room: if you see a group about to start a game of pool or put on a film, go and join them. Simply asking “Do you mind if I join you?” usually gets a ‘yes’ in reply.
• In the study rooms: although these are quiet places, a coffee break in the corridors creates an instant bond with others who are also preparing for their first subjects.

The art of ‘life-saving questions’

Sometimes your mind goes blank and you don’t know how to approach someone. You don’t need a brilliant speech; the simplest, everyday questions are the most effective. Here are some practical examples for different situations:

• In the corridor: "Hi, I'm X. I live next door – how's the move going?"
• At events: "Do you know what time this afternoon's activity starts?" or "Have you tried the food in the canteen yet?"
• Preparing for class: "I'm from [your town], where are you from?" "And what are you going to study?"
• About the building: "The coffee machine's a bit complicated – do you know how it works?"

Take the initiative with simple plans

If you notice that the atmosphere is calm, take the first step. Suggesting low-commitment plans works a treat during the first few days in the halls of residence.

• Explore the neighbourhood: suggest to a couple of your people that you go out and find the best café in the area or locate the nearest underground station.
• Directions to campus: if you meet someone who’s going to the same university as you, agree to travel the first leg of the journey together so you can time it and make sure you don’t get lost on your first day.

Three common mistakes you should avoid

To ensure success in your social interactions, try to avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Taking refuge in your mobile: when we feel insecure, we tend to look at the screen. Look up. If you sit on the sofa in the communal areas watching TikTok, you’re sending out a ‘do not disturb’ message.
2. Clinging to your long-standing friends: it’s great to keep in touch with your school mates, but try to limit video calls during this first week so you can focus on your current surroundings.
3. Judging by first impressions: people are often nervous and sometimes come across as shy or overly effusive. Give everyone a chance – your best friend might turn out to be someone you initially thought you had nothing in common with.

Remember the golden rule: the person next to you is feeling exactly the same uncertainty as you are. Make this week count. Step out of your comfort zone, enjoy the activities at Canvas and get ready to meet the people who’ll be with you during the best stage of your life.