Fitting in at university is so much easier than you think, so there’s no need to overthink. The most important thing to remember is that being yourself is the best thing you can do. Not only will your personality shine through but it’s also easier than pretending to be somebody else.
From making friends to joining clubs, here are our five best tips on how to fit in at university.
- Join clubs and societies that interest you
- Use the opportunities to make friends
- If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it
- Embrace both your own culture and others
- Don’t be afraid to try something different
1. Join clubs and societies that interest you
Take a look at the clubs your university offers and sign up for something that you might enjoy. Getting involved can be a fantastic and natural way to make friends with people who have the same interests as you.
At Newcastle University, we have over 160 clubs and societies you can try - run by students, for students. From archaeology to art, belonging to a community is a great way to fit in. If there isn’t anything that appeals to you, you can always create your own too!
The ‘Give it a Go’ scheme was created with hundreds of activities for you to try. These are available to Newcastle University students at a discounted price to join and try something new. From a trip to Disneyland Paris to white water rafting, no previous experience is required to get involved. There’s no better opportunity to discover a new hobby.
2. Use the opportunities to make friends
At university, you’ll have the tools to build so many lifelong friendships. You’ll spend a lot of time with people in your accommodation and on your course. It’s a great opportunity to get to know them better.
Here are some ways you can make friends and fit in at university:
- freshers’ week will introduce you to lots of students in the same situation as you - it can be beneficial to talk to them and ask them questions
- organise a study group with the people on your course - you can even utilise the outdoor space on campus and learn alfresco
- cook a meal with your roommates and combine different flavours and spices to create a signature dish
- visit the city and plan an activity that everyone can enjoy like a museum or a trip to the theatre
Friends are a great way to distract you if you’re feeling a little homesick too. It’s completely natural and they’ll probably be feeling the same way, so it’s good to talk about it.
Joining clubs and having regular calls with loved ones can help you feel better too. For more tips on how to not feel homesick, take a look at this blog.
3. If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it
The UK attracts over 450,000 international students every year so you don’t need to feel alone! However, if you’re still worried about fitting in, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
Universities like Newcastle have a Student Health and Wellbeing service where there will always be members of the team available to talk to. They offer advice whether you’re missing home, struggling to make friends, concerned about finances and anything else that you may want to talk about.
4. Embrace both your own culture and others
International students may naturally limit themselves to only students who speak the same language as them because it’s in their comfort zone. However, this shouldn’t stop you from experiencing a new lifestyle and getting involved with the culture.
It can be rewarding to share culture - from the food you enjoy to the language you speak. The UK has so many diverse communities and that’s one of the main reasons why it’s so popular for international students.
5. Don’t be afraid to try something different
You experience a lot of new things at university, from the teaching styles to the city you’re studying in. You may think it’s a little overwhelming at first but it’s actually a fantastic opportunity to try something different. Even if it’s just sampling some British cuisine!
Here are just some exciting things to try that you may fall in love with:
- the popular British fish and chips or English breakfast
- visit a landmark like Big Ben or Angel of The North
- drink some tea and try some delicious scones
- relax and have some lunch at Newcastle’s cat café, Mog on the Tyne
Now that you know how to fit in at university, it’s the perfect time to learn more about what Newcastle’s student-friendly city has to offer.
Want to feel at home in a student-friendly city like Newcastle?
Newcastle is so diverse - it would be hard not to fit in! You’ll always find something to experience, whether it’s visiting the theatre with friends or exploring the city. We have everything you need to know when it comes to living in Newcastle.