When I told people I was going to commute to university, I kept getting asked the same question. “How are you going to make friends?” Admittedly, I did find this a bit ridiculous, but it is true that as a commuting student you have to try harder when it comes to meeting people. You don’t get the easy advantage of having roommates to bond with at freshers, but have to rock up solo. It does get easier though, and as a second year commuting student, here are my top tips to make that happen.
Find your people
One of the best parts of university is meeting people who have the same niche interests as you. The degree that you have picked to study, will also be full of people who love that subject. Talk to them! Seminars can be awkward, but are also a great way to start conversations. I met one of my first friends at university in an English seminar. We bonded over Sally Rooney, and not being into Russian literature.
Join a society
Another great way to find people who love similar things to you, is to join a society. There are more than 120 different societies and sports on campus, so there is a good chance of finding one that excites you. The options are out there, from musical theatre and wild swimming to wine club. If you go and don’t enjoy it – don’t stress! You are under no obligation to go back, but you can always try a new one.
Be intentional in asking to spend time with people
It can be easy to get along with someone, but relegate them to just being a class friend, or just someone you see at a society. They never will become a friend you can spend time with outside of that if you don’t try. Ask them if they would like to get a coffee with you beforehand, or let them know when you’re on campus.
How to go on a night out?
This is the real beast of commuting for students who do enjoy going out. The way that I have been able to experience the Stirling nightlife is because of the friends I have made. I have been lucky to have friends who let me stay at their flat overnight. How does that happen? Asking them! If friends have mentioned they want to go on a night out with you, explaining that you would love to but don’t live in Stirling can lead to an invite.
Invite your university friends to visit you
It is always fun to get a change of scenery, not just for commuters. I live in Edinburgh, and happily show friends the tourist sites if that is what they want to do when they come through for the day. I have had my university pals over after Chappell Roan played the Highland Showgrounds in August, and Mamma Mia was doing a December run at the Playhouse. If someone is telling you they want a break from campus, extend an invite!
Organise the days when you are in campus
I pick all of my seminars to be on the same days as my lectures. This semester I am timetabled for three days a week. I don’t want to be spending endless money on fuel, so I have to be organised. If you have been talking about a vague plan with a friend, get in touch and let them know you will be around campus on that day. Before you know it, you might be booked up for the day!
Explain when you’re late
Being late is embarrassing, but so is spending time and money getting there and not going in. I understand why being forty minutes late to an hour long seminar makes you skip the class, but being half an hour late to a two hour seminar is still worth going in. Yes, the tutor will notice how late you are, but all in all staff are considerate that commuting students are trying our best. If there has been an issue, like roadworks, traffic, or public transport not turning up that has made you late, tell them.
Featured Image Credit : University of Stirling on Instagram
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Journalism and English student.
So lovely to get a shout-out! Glad to have been a part of such a special person’s Stirling journey x