To some, the prospect of meeting new people can be the most exciting thing in the world, but to others it can be the most daunting. When arriving at university the first thing you’ll do before even stepping into your halls, house or university residence, is meet someone new. That person may be a welcome helper, offering to show you around or help with your bags, or another student, just as anxious as you are.

I remember the first day I arrived at Lyme Regis halls. The only people I knew were my parents and soon they’d be travelling four hours home leaving me to start my new life in Bournemouth. Being, normally quite a confident, outgoing person, I was surprised at how nervous I was and how little I had to say – I guess I was just so taken aback by a new environment. However, it wasn’t long until I was approached by my flatmates. The conversations began and the nerves slowly slipped away.

It was nice talking to new people, who had come from all different parts of the country and even the world, as one of my flatmates and now housemate in second year is from Finland. You learn so much about others and they learn about you and from this you form a close friendship so quickly. Not only do you meet people who you’re living with or living around, you also become very close to those in your seminar group. Without knowing it at the first meeting, from my own experience, these people will become your help and support system. When meeting people from your seminar, you already share something in common and through that build a great friendship and work relationship.

After settling into the university way of life, I decided I would try and become more integrated into the university and the opportunities it offers for students. I became a student rep in my first year and Student Ambassador in my second. Through these opportunities I met some really interesting people, people that I would never have met if I didn’t participate in these great prospects.

So, even after the first two weeks you’ve made some great friends and it really wasn’t that scary at all! Just remember everyone is in the same position – anxious, nervous and apprehensive. By meeting new people and participating in university opportunities, these feelings change to warmth, happiness and contentment.

By Jessica Alexander