Starting university is one of those experiences you can’t fully understand until you’re in it. For me, my first-year accommodation played a huge role in shaping how that transition felt. Looking back, it was where most of my early friendships and key routines began.
Living in a catered hall took away a lot of the stress that comes with suddenly being independent. Not having to worry about cooking every day meant I had more time and energy to settle in, explore campus, and, most importantly, meet people. Mealtimes became social anchors in the day. I’d see familiar faces, sit with different groups, and naturally fall into conversations. Everyone was friendly, and even if you were shy, there was always an easy opener: complaining about the food or asking what someone had been up to that day.
That said, a good social life didn’t just happen automatically. One of the biggest things I learned is that you get out what you put in. In the first few weeks especially, everyone is slightly nervous, looking to make friends, and open to new experiences. The more I made an effort to speak to people, whether it was in the corridor, at dinner, or in shared spaces, the easier it became. Those small interactions added up quickly.
A turning point for me was finding people with shared interests. Once I started talking more, I realised there were loads of people who enjoyed the same things I did. In my case, that was football. What started as a casual conversation turned into a weekly 5 a side game, and that is still the highlight of my weeks 2 years later! It gave me something consistent to look forward to, helped me stay active, and strengthened friendships in a more natural way than just going out or hanging around in the kitchen.
For incoming students, my main advice is simple: don’t wait for things to happen, create them. Introduce yourself first. Suggest plans, even if they’re small, like grabbing food or watching a movie. Join in, even when you feel a bit unsure. Everyone else is figuring things out too, and chances are they’ll be glad you made the effort.
Also, try not to compare your experience to others too much. It can feel like everyone else has instantly found their “group,” but good friendships take time to build. Some of the people I ended up closest to were the ones I got to know gradually over weeks and months.
Finally, make the most of the environment you’re in. Accommodation is a unique bubble where people are open, available, and close by. Whether it’s chatting in the hallway, going to dinner together, or starting something like a weekly football game, those everyday moments are what shape your experience.
First year accommodation isn’t perfect, but it’s full of opportunities. If you’re willing to put yourself out there, you’ll likely come away with some special memories and great friendships.