Making friends and meeting new people
University is an opportunity to meet new people and to build lifelong friendships. Putting yourself out there and being open to talking to new people can be intimidating, but it is totally worth it! We’re in this together—chances are there are plenty of people at uOttawa interested in making new friends as well. Here are a few tips to keep in mind to help you make new friends.
- Participate in social and cultural activities
Week to week, the University hosts a wide range of social and cultural activities right here on campus! The first events of the year are Welcome Week activities, which focus on encouraging students get out, explore the campus, and mingle with other students. Learn about all the upcoming events online and follow @uocampus for the latest updates.
2. Join a club or group
In addition to campus-wide social events, uOttawa’s student network boasts many different clubs based on various cultures, sports, interests, and activities. Whether you’re looking for a recreational club or a student political group, check out the full list of current clubs according to campusvibez. Can’t find a club you’re interested in? Why not create and register your own club!
3. Register for intramurals
Nothing says let’s make friends like a bit of friendly competition, right? Right! Well, at least that’s the case in uOttawa’s Garnet and Grey intramural leagues. Choose from a variety of recreational sports leagues, at two different levels of play, and sign up as a team or as an individual for the fall and winter terms. Learn more about these leagues and be sure to enter the registration start date in your calendar.
4. Create a study group
No matter what situation you’re in, don’t be shy: introduce yourself to your classmates, either online or in person. You should get to know them, and not just for social reasons: your classmates can help you keep up with the course material, remind you of exams and assignment deadlines, and work around your social calendar to find study times. Once you’ve introduced yourself and formed a study group, pick one of the best places on campus to study.
5. Sign up for uOConnexion
uOConnexion is the OG campus buddy program! First-year students are paired with upper-year uOttawa students, who guide them through their first year by answering questions, providing advice, and being a friend on campus! And uOConnexion buddies also get exclusive access to events.
6. Volunteer
Volunteering is a win-win. Not only do you get to meet new people and form new friendships, but also you gain valuable experience and learn new skills that will help you stand out in the job market once you graduate. Log into your uoZone account to browse the list of volunteer opportunities in the Community Engagement Navigator.
7. Follow up on introductions
Not sure how to follow up with people you’ve just met or introduced yourself to? Build on that first impression by following them on social media. Whether you get their IG handle or Snapchat username, you can reach out to make plans or get some insight on that one lecture you just happened to miss.
Remember, it’s okay to feel like you’re out of your comfort zone: those are the times when you grow and accomplish the incredible! When you look back four or five years from now, you’ll have created lifelong friendships and magical memories to reflect on and give you confidence as you start a new journey into the workforce.