Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
An introverts guide to making friends at university
Hi I’m Luke, a second-year Leeds Beckett student studying English & Creative Writing. If you're reading this, chances are you're thinking it might be a little tricky to make friends when you arrive at uni because you're on the 'introverted' side. Well, guess what? I'm a self-confessed introvert too who has made some amazing friends at uni, and I'm here to tell you why being introverted might not be the barrier that you think it is!
Now, that said, friends are great. And the best kind of friends are the ones who truly understand you. If you’re feeling nervous about meeting new people or you’re a little shy, don’t be afraid to tell them! A simple, “Hey, I’m feeling a bit tired right now, I’m just going to step outside for a few minutes to recharge”, can work wonders. Most people will understand, and if they don’t, well, maybe they’re not the right people for you to connect with.
When it comes to meeting people at uni, you don’t have to rush into things. Making new friends doesn’t have to happen overnight. Remember that being introverted isn’t the same as being low in confidence, and the two don’t always go together. You might prefer spending time alone or with a smaller group, and that’s completely fine. And if the idea of chatting with extroverts feels intimidating, don’t worry—they’ve just had more practice! Be polite, be genuine, and the right people will be drawn to you.
So, how do you make friends as an introvert? It’s simpler than you might think. The key is to just be yourself. I know it sounds cliché, but hear me out. When you’re being your authentic self, there’s no need for those exhausting “social faces” we all tend to put on. If something excites you —say, football or a specific hobby—don’t be afraid to share it! You’ll naturally find people who share your interests, and suddenly, you have an opening to start a conversation without the stress of awkward small talk. It’s a lot easier than you think when you’re talking about something you genuinely enjoy.
Here’s a little pro tip:
Find an extroverted friend. This might sound like cheating, but it can make all the difference. Some people just love talking and socialising, and having an extrovert in your corner is like having a social guide. They’ll happily introduce you to people, help keep the conversation going and provide backup when you need it. Trust me, I’ve done this, and now my extroverted friend is always by my side at social events—though, I joke that all I have to do is buy the drinks. (Just kidding, of course!)
Another great way to ease into university social life is by taking advantage of group chats before you even arrive. Leeds Beckett has an offer holder community group that all offer holders are invited to, and it’s the perfect place to start connecting with classmates ahead of time. If you’re not ready for in-person conversations yet, why not send a quick message to someone and ask if they’d like to sit together in lectures? It’s a low-pressure way to start forming connections, and it’s a great way to meet potential flatmates, commuters and people with similar interests before even setting foot on campus.
Finally, let’s talk about Leeds Beckett’s communities. These are honestly one of the best ways to meet people who share your interests. Whether you’re into dance, gaming, writing, or something else entirely, there’s a community for you. You’ll meet like-minded people, and there’s always someone there to make sure everyone is included. You can sign up for communities before you even get to university, so it’s a great way to get involved and meet people who are into the same things as you.
If you’re feeling apprehensive about making friends when you arrive at uni, remember, you’re not alone. Many other people feel the same way. And if you ever need a little extra support, Leeds Beckett’s Student Support Team is just an email away. They’re always happy to help you feel at home.
Good luck, and I hope you enjoy the adventure ahead!
