Starting university often comes with excitement, curiosity and a quiet fear especially when it comes to making new friends and finding your place in a completely new environment. My name is Vrinda Malhotra and I’m a first year BSc (Hons) Business Management student at the University of Southampton Delhi.

One of the biggest worries students have before starting university is making friends on campus. Many students worry about feeling awkward, out of place or alone during the first few weeks. I had heard similar concerns before joining university. However, my own experience of making friends at university turned out to be far more comfortable and natural than I had imagined. I wasn’t nervous, conversations felt easy and friendships began forming without any pressure, through simple interactions, shared spaces and everyday moments I learned that genuine friendships often form when you least expect them. This blog reflects my honest student life experience and what campus social life looked like for me during my initial weeks at university.

My first weeks on campus

The initial days on campus were filled with new experiences and moments of self-adjustment, but they turned out to be far more pleasant than I had expected. The induction week organised by the University of Southampton Delhi was designed to help students familiarise themselves with both the campus and one another. Through interactive sessions, group activities and informal discussions, the induction created a welcoming space where conversations felt natural rather than forced. Like most first-year students, I began with a sense of nervousness and uncertainty, especially about how social interactions would unfold in a completely new environment. I wondered how easy it would be to start conversations and whether I would be able to form meaningful connections. However, that nervousness slowly faded once I realised that everyone around me was experiencing the same emotions. We all were new to campus trying to find our place, settle into university life and build connections from scratch.

A simple “hi” was enough to start a conversation and from there, things flowed naturally. What truly made my experience easier was how sweet, welcoming and approachable the students at the University of Southampton Delhi were, which helped me feel comfortable and supported right from the very beginning.

Stepping outside my comfort zone

Making friends on campus required taking small social steps such as starting conversations, introducing myself to new people and sit with different groups. I politely greeted students and those simple interactions gradually turned into deeper bonds. These moments, though small, slowly built comfort and familiarity. I did not force conversations or friendships, instead, everything happened naturally and unexpectedly. By stepping slightly outside my comfort zone and being open to new interactions, I was able to form connections that have now become an integral part of my life.

Joining societies and campus activities

Being involved in campus activities played a major role in strengthening my university friendships and making my overall campus experience more fulfilling. Joining different clubs and actively participating in various activities gave me the opportunity to interact with people who shared similar interests and passions. These shared experiences helped us bond more deeply.

Working together during events, discussions and group activities made interactions more meaningful. At the same time, engaging actively in campus life helped me gain knowledge beyond academics by improving my teamwork, communication and collaboration skills. All this not only contributed to my personal growth but also greatly enhanced my campus social life.

Building genuine friendships over time

One thing I appreciated most about my experience of making friends at university was that nothing felt rushed. Friendships didn’t form overnight and that was okay. Spending time together whether sitting at Baithak, attending classes, or walking around campus allowed connections to deepen naturally. What mattered most was the comfort and mutual understanding. I made a few really close friends whom I now deeply value. I also formed friendships with some master’s students, which was unexpected but deeply meaningful. Over time, the small moments, laughing over inside jokes, clicking spontaneous pictures, or having long conversations created a sense of belonging that made campus feel like home.

These friendships are something I truly cherish, as they brought warmth, diverse perspectives, guidance and constant support.

What didn’t work for me

Not everything worked perfectly and that’s important to acknowledge. There were moments when conversations didn’t flow, or when I didn’t feel an instant connection and that’s completely normal. I learned that slowing down and letting friendships grow organically was far more effective.

One key takeaway from my student life experience is that not every interaction needs to turn into a friendship. It’s okay if some connections remain brief or casual. Accepting this made my journey of making friends on campus much more relaxed and enjoyable.

My advice for anyone struggling to make friends

If you’re struggling with how to make friends at university, my biggest piece of advice is to be patient with yourself. You don’t need to have a large friend group immediately. Start with small steps, say hi, join conversations and spend time in shared spaces.

Few simple tips that helped me:

Be polite and approachable, small gestures matter.

• Initiate conversations, participate in activities and allow friendships to form naturally.

• Spend time in common areas and campus spaces.

• Be open to meeting people from different courses or years.

You do not need to change yourself to fit in. When you are genuine, people appreciate you for who you truly are and meaningful connections follow. Remember, making friends on campus is different for everyone, and there is no fixed timeline.

Looking back, my experience of making friends on campus was far more positive than I expected. Friendships formed naturally. It taught me that friendships take time and patience. Campus spaces played a huge role in bringing people together. University is not just about academics it’s about connection, growth, and shared experiences.

For anyone seeking first year university advice, remember that everyone’s journey looks different and there is no single right way to build connections. If you stay open, honest and true to yourself, making friends on campus becomes a natural and fulfilling process.

Trust the process, be yourself, and allow your campus social life to develop organically. The right people will find their way into your journey.

Author: Vrinda Malhotra, First year BSc (Hons) Business Management

Date: Monday 16 January 2026

This article reflects the thoughts, opinions and experiences of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official view of University of Southampton Delhi. You should confirm and check factual information presented in this article before making decisions based on its content.