How to meet new people before you arrive

Easy ways to make friendships before you settle in

Starting your journey at university might feel daunting. You're learning to live independently, meeting lots of new people and balancing the finances of student life. But there are a few ways you can relieve some of this pressure.

Let's start with meeting new people...

You might feel more at ease if you've introduced yourself in group chats, online and through university platforms.

Here are a few simple ways you can meet people before you arrive:

Unibuddy

Feeling a sense of community and belonging before you arrive is exactly what Unibuddy offers.

The platform has two main features:

• Community: Joining with current and prospective students makes it easier to get essential information about university life. You can connect with future classmates, find others staying in the same halls, and meet people who share your interests and hobbies.
• Chat Function: Chat with our student ambassadors and staff, who are ready to answer any questions about our courses and university life.

Students will receive an email if they are eligible offer holders, with instructions on how to join. If you haven't received an email, please do get in touch:

Phone: +44 (0)24 7765 6565

Email: ukadmissions@coventry.ac.uk

Social Media

This is definitely the most popular way of connecting with and meeting new people before you arrive. Search on Facebook and Snapchat to see if there are any group chats for your course or accommodation. Usually, people might want to meet up for a coffee or drink to get to know each other. 

If you can't find a course-specific page or group, why not comment in one of the other groups? There's no harm in introducing yourself and letting them know which course you'll be studying. You never know, you might find someone on your course in that group!

Search: "Coventry University (your year)" on Facebook and Snapchat.

The Student Room

Check student platforms like The Student Room to find people who are attending university at the same time as you. Not only is it a great (and easy) way to meet people, but there is no judgement on any questions asked. It's all students, so honestly, ask away! You can even put a post out yourself for your hall or course to see if you can connect with people.

Coventry Freshers'

Platforms like Coventry Freshers offer unofficial WhatsApp groups and socials organised by course/accommodation. These can be really useful when meeting new people, as you can not only introduce yourself and get to know others, but you can also join a group/someone on freshers' week!

We hope this helps to ease some initial social awkwardness and relieve some pressure of meeting lots of people on your first day. Remember, making connections takes time too, so don't feel forced to get to know everyone in one day!