Starting university can be a daunting experience, especially if you’re worried about fitting in without relying on alcohol. I remember feeling the same way, but I found effective strategies to make friends and feel at home without alcohol. Here’s how you can do it too.

Making Friends Before Arriving
One of the best decisions I made was joining Unibuddy, an online platform that connects prospective and current university students. Through UniBuddy, I could chat with other students who were in the same boat, looking to make friends and share their concerns. This platform felt safe and moderated, ensuring that interactions were positive and supportive.

As the summer progresses, more online forums or Facebook groups will emerge. Join these and try to audio call people if everyone feels comfortable. This way, you get used to being around your
new classmates or flatmates, making it less awkward when you meet in real life. By the time I arrived at university, I already knew several people, which eased my transition immensely. We had
shared our worries, hopes, and even some laughs online, making it feel like we were meeting old friends in person for the first time. These early connections were invaluable, as they gave me a
sense of belonging right from the start.

Attending Accommodation Events

Another great way to feel at home is by attending accommodation events. These are usually organised by the university or accommodation team known as ResLife and are fantastic opportunities to meet your neighbours and make new friends. If you’re worried about drinking, don’t be. Bring a non-alcoholic drink with you. Holding a drink, even if it’s just a soda or juice, can help you feel more at ease and less like the odd one out. At these events, you can find people with similar interests and start building your university family.

Finding Your Support System

University life can be challenging, and having a strong support system is crucial. Friends from different courses can become like family. It’s also good to have friends from around the university as it means you expand your group and your not stuck in an echo chamber of thought. Helping you develop social skills and a variety of talking topics making it easier to socialise. It makes you feel less alone and means that you can come up of a variety of things to do together like helping each other with decorating rooms when you move in. Movie nights together maybe a murder mystery, puzzle, surfing, dancing or painting pots. Either way people outside your course are more likely to introduce you into things you never thought of or considered before.

Little Tips for Feeling at Home

1. Call Your Flat ‘Home’: This simple change in language can make a big difference. Referring to your university accommodation as ‘home’ helps you mentally adjust and feel more settled.
2. Personalize Your Space: Decorate your room with photos, posters, or anything that makes it feel cozy and familiar. A comfortable, personalized space can significantly enhance your sense of belonging.
3. Join Clubs and Societies: Find groups through SUBU that align with your hobbies and interests. This is a great way to meet like-minded people and develop a sense of community.
4. Routine and Familiarity: Establish a routine that includes activities you enjoy. Regularity can provide stability and make university life feel more manageable.

Making the Most of Bournemouth’s Environment

You’re at Bournemouth University, take advantage of the beautiful surroundings. Bournemouth is next to a stunning beach, perfect for relaxing walks, beach games, or just unwinding after a long day. The town also boasts beautiful gardens where you can stroll, read a book, or have picnics with new friends. These serene environments can be great for your mental well-being and provide excellent opportunities to bond with others over shared activities.

Settling into university without drinking can initially seem challenging, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience. Making use of online platforms like UniBuddy to form friendships beforehand, attending events with a non-alcoholic drink, and building a supportive network can make a huge difference. By surrounding yourself with people who share your values and making small adjustments to create a homey environment, you’ll find that university can be a place where you thrive, not just survive. Remember, it’s the connections you make and the support you give and receive that will help you through the hard times, making your university experience truly memorable.

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