Making Friends During a Pandemic
I will start by saying that this is a difficult time for everyone, and you are definitely not alone! I am a third-year student this year at St. Andrews, so I am fortunate to already have a great group of friends to support me. However, I know that it has been extremely tough for first years, given that there are no freshers’ socials, limited sports activity, and societies transferring to online meetings. Even as a fresher not during COVID times, it was a challenge for me to feel at home here. My main piece of advice is to really put yourself out there! Because most people are staying inside, it would be nearly impossible to create deep friendships without making the effort to reach out to people. Below are some ideas for making friends during these changing times:
- Find a study buddy
One of the best ways to find common interests is through coursework; plus, this will also help you get good marks! Reach out to someone in your tutorial or lecture and ask them to spend some time on that week’s topic. Even just chatting with someone about academics can make you feel less isolated at Uni.
- Find an academic family
Finding an academic family will help you meet other first years that will be your academic siblings. Additionally, you will have two or three parents that can serve as your social and academic mentors for the next two years. Your parents can also introduce you to their friends at the university and your social network will expand in no time! Third-years are eager to adopt so don’t be afraid to search for your parents.
- Have an online coffee date
Reach out to someone that you’ve met just in passing and ask to get to know them better. Who knows, maybe they’ve wanted to get to know you as well! Casual banter may lead to a great friendship!
- Have an online video gathering
You could just have a chat or you could come up with a topic of conversation to discuss or even debate. Another idea is to figure out a game that would be easy for everyone to play online and just have some no pressure time as a group. If you are all doing an activity, then it would feel as difficult to have a conversation with someone new.
- Host a crazy powerpoint competition online
Challenge each person in a group to create a totally ridiculous powerpoint. (Like how birds aren’t real for example) This way, you don’t have to force a conversation and it should be a good laugh for everyone.
- Meet for socially distanced outdoor activities
Currently, the rule is that only two households can meet outside at once, so keep this in mind when making plans. Given this, you could meet for a picnic, go for a walk, sit on the beach, or any other activities that come to mind. Reach out to people to hang out with you because I am sure they would love to get outside and make new friends as well.
Remember: Hang in there and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!!!
