Moving to university has a lot to offer in experiences, friendships and industry learning, but it also brings a mix of new routines and problems to face. Social activities can mean different things for everyone, and while it’s always good to try new things and put yourself out there, it's important to remember what you enjoy most and that you need time off as well.
My biggest point to stress is that you won’t necessarily find your tribe of friends within the first week – and that’s okay! Making good, long-lasting connections with people takes time and it’s good to keep in mind that with each new term there's another opportunity to meet people or grow closer with those you may have already crossed paths with. Rome wasn’t built in a day, just the same as you may not be friends with everyone who you meet in Freshers week.
I have three quick tips to share for moving to university and learning to live with your new friends.
Firstly, begin by looking at events and opportunities in the local area. If you’re feeling uncertain, it may be nice to stick with more familiar activities that you know you like, but it may also be fun to go beyond your comfort zone. A good place to start are the fireworks at the end of the Arts By the Sea festival. They happen quite soon after moving into halls and make a nice chance to explore the gardens and the beach with others. There are also many events throughout the year – dance and theatre shows and music events to name a few.
Moreover, don’t discard making ‘adulting’ fun. Whilst it’s nice to go to societies and socials with friends, don’t put off running errands or doing a food shop with flatmates. Although it may be daunting to ask, it’s always nice to go in company to complete your weekly job list. If you both go to the same society, a good way of asking is to say you were going to pop to the shops after the society meet-up and wondered if they wanted to go on the way home with you too.
Lastly, a big tip for dealing with social activities at university is to not be afraid to say you can’t afford something, or your budget is running low at that time. It’s better to be honest - everybody understands. Nobody wants to put you out or make you feel pressured, and you don’t want to do that to anyone else either, so it’s important to be accommodating and flexible. Also, give people plenty of warning if you want to do something that may have a higher price tag. Budgeting is a whole new world that you may be getting to grips with, and it’s perfectly normal if you have to turn down one or two things for their cost – there's always next time.
Another point to consider when it comes to social activities is not to be scared to go beyond the town centre. Most halls of residence are very near to the main town area – the gardens, shops and beach. This is great for night life and trips to a coffee shop but there’s also fun places to explore beyond. You can get cheap train tickets to Poole for a new adventure or go further afield to Southampton and Winchester – particularly nice at Christmas for ice skating and markets. The Jurassic Coast also offers fantastic beauty to explore, so it’s always worth looking into day trips and experiences. These visits don’t even always have to be with friends – recharge your own battery by going solo, or if you have extended family local to Bournemouth then arrange to catch up with them (maybe they will even let you do your laundry at theirs to save you some money!)
All in all, the social side to university should be fun and relaxing – there are so many people to meet and memories to be made!