Find Your Tribe: A Guide to Making Friends in Your Second Year

Embracing Volunteering:

Volunteering isn't just about giving back to the community; it's also a fantastic way to meet like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a difference. Whether it's participating in tours, courses, or community events, volunteering opens doors to new friendships and enriching experiences.

• Take a look at opportunities posted on the LBSU Volunteering site
• Attend festivals for free and help Oxfam raise awareness and much needed donations
• Need something paid? Take a look on MyHub or watch Beckett List for Student or Course Ambassador roles - you know the University pretty well at this point so showing future applicants around is a great way to earn and make friends!

Uniting Through Societies:

Joining a student society is akin to entering a realm of endless possibilities. Whether you're into sports, arts, literature, or niche hobbies, there's likely a society tailored to your interests. These societies not only provide an avenue for pursuing your passions but also serve as hubs for meeting individuals who share your enthusiasms.

Attending your university's freshers' fair (honestly, there's nothing against you doing this a second time!) or browsing through the LBSU Societies pages can introduce you to a myriad of societies. From there, it's about diving into activities, events, and gatherings, where you'll find opportunities to forge friendships over shared interests.

• Even better -take part in Give it a Go! Not sure which society to join? Explore without commitment with Give it A Go! The program offers events to sample societies and activities without signing up. Most are free or low-cost, making it a great way to meet others in term 1.

Breaking the Ice:

Don't underestimate the power of simple gestures, like sitting next to someone new in lectures or organising a post class coffee/smoothie/pint! These small acts of can pave the way for meaningful connections. Remember, everyone is navigating the same social landscape, and a friendly hello can go a long way.

Give Halls Another Go:

Halls isn't just for first years, in fact we have a number of second, third and even fourth years who stay with us. So, if you didn't find your people in halls this time - next year might just be the year!

You could:

• Choose to stay in your room - remember to book early though, in January/February we'll usually send you an email so that you can reserve your room for another year before booking opens to new students. If that time has passed just speak to our team (accommodation@leedsbeckett.ac.uk) - there still might be a chance your room is available or we can talk through your options!
• Choose a new room within your current accommodation
• Choose a room in an entirely new accommodation

Remember with self allocation you book a flat based on the profiles of people who have chosen rooms already - maybe this time around you'll have a better understanding of the types of flatmate you'd get along with!

Embracing Change:

As a second year student, the prospect of forging new friendships may seem daunting, especially if you feel like you missed out on opportunities in your first year. However, remember that university is a dynamic environment, characterised by constant change and growth.

Introduce yourself to new faces, extend a warm welcome to your flatmates, and embrace the adventure of discovering new connections. Whether it's through academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, or shared experiences, each interaction presents an opportunity to expand your social circle and find your tribe.

Remember, building relationships takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. So, step out of your comfort zone, seize every opportunity, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Your tribe is out there – all you have to do is reach out and make those connections.