Can You Get By In Uni Without Friends?
Going into university may be very scary, so here is your guide on how to survive the transition into university in the most efficient way possible:
THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP
Uni can be where you meet your lifelong friends, DON’T underestimate their influence in your wider uni experience! It’s highly suggested that you try your best to build connections and form friendships in the university. It allows for comfort and smooth transition into what may seem like a whole new world for many students. Buote et al’s (2007) study shows that there’s a significant positive relationship between the quality of friendships formed in the university and adjustment to the university especially when living on campus. This should prompt undergraduate students to try their best to create bonds with people. It helps make you feel better when homesick. A good friendship can be an escape or a comfort place, so it’s important to scout them out upon arrival to the university.
REMINDER:
You are not alone!
THAT’S NOT ALL…
Things like developing extracurricular skills/hobbies at university may also aid you in forming friendships and adjusting to this new stage of life. Kanar and Bouckenooghe’s (2021) study on the impact of involvement in extracurricular activities on future careers found that higher participation extracurricular activities increased student confidence in job searching. This suggests that extracurricular activities may play a huge role in shaping university students. At Warwick University, there are many extracurricular opportunities available to students. There are even 250 societies ranging from the ‘Fetish’ Society to ‘Rubik’s Cube’ Society. Developing skills and hobbies at university is crucial in enhancing your university life and universities like Warwick support this for everyone.
IN THE CLUB WITH YOUR TWIN?
BUT…as your lectures and societies finish, and the day comes to an end, you may want head out. Experience your city's lively nightlife with your friends to enjoying the music, lights, and vibrant energy. Numerous studies highlight the significance of nightlife as a means to break away from routine, form deeper connections with others, and for entertainment. Kramer and Wittmann (2023) suggest ‘nightlife is seen as an inherently social space where students feel less controlled by social norms. Their research indicates that whether you forge new friendships during a night out or strengthen existing connections, nightlife consistently involves social interaction. These activities contribute positively to a person’s health through moderating stress and improving psychological mental state (Han & Patterson 2011). It appears that nightlife at uni potentially enhances overall well-being and adjustment to university. You’ll be vibing…
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY
Lest we must never forget to spend money wisely!
Although gaining more financial freedom is a massive change at university, one must learn effective money management techniques to prevent financial distress.
At university, it’s completely normal to have additional costs such as tuition fees, food and accommodation (Stewart & Maisonville, 2019). Visit the UCAS website for recommendations students budget guidelines here. Opening a savings account may also aid your financial management as your temptation to spend all your money at once may be reduced (Meratas | Learn Now, Pay Later, 2020). When you use money wisely, you can spend it on the things you need and enjoy university more!
Unfortunately, despite all the nightlife and successful friendships, university comes with pressure that many students begin to face. It may be homesickness, finances, forming friendships, or adjusting to new learning strategies that can potentially make mental health problems more of a risk (Macaskill, 2012).
It’s very essential that you prioritise mental health in different ways. For example, using the university’s wellbeing/self-help websites for guidance or emergency numbers for urgent circumstances. Additionally, personal tutors are available for direct academic help. Most importantly, there are always people who are ready and willing to offer support when needed (friends, mentors, and more). It’ll truly make your transition to university easier if you prioritise your mental health!
BE FOR REAL…
GO GET THAT DEGREE!!!
References
Buote, V. M., Pancer, S. M., Pratt, M. W., Adams, G., Birnie-Lefcovitch, S., Polivy, J., & Wintre, M. G. (2007). The importance of friends: Friendship and adjustment among 1st-year university students. Journal of adolescent research, 22(6), 665-689. https://doi.org/10.1177/0743558407306344
Corral, D., & Carpenter, S. K. (2023). Long-term hypercorrection, return errors, and the transfer of learning in the classroom. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition, 12(2), 208–229.
Han, J. S., & Patterson, I. (2007). An analysis of the influence that leisure experiences have on a person's mood state, health and wellbeing. Annals of Leisure Research, 10(3-4), 328-351.
Kanar, A., & Bouckenooghe, D. (2021). The role of extracurricular activities in shaping university students' employment self-efficacy perceptions. Career Development International, 26(2), 158-173.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0894845321991648
Kramer, J., & Wittmann, M. (2023). Nightlife as counterspace: Potentials of nightlife for social wellbeing. Annals of Leisure Research, 1-21.
Macaskill, A. (2013). The mental health of university students in the United Kingdom. British Journal of Guidance & Counselling, 41(4), 426–441.
Stewart, I., Maisonville, A., & Zriachev, N. (2023). Successful students understand their finances. A Guide for Successful Students 2nd ed.
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