Coming to university can be a highly daunting task - one that is accompanied with a mixed range of feelings, excitement, nervousness, anxiety, optimism and so much more… But one of the biggest things about moving thousands of miles away from home can be the fear of not finding ‘your people’ (I promise, you will), so here are five tips for finding your community at UCL.
1. Join Societies… loads of them!
Societies aren’t just something to add to your resume or CV (although that surely is a benefit), but they help you find so many people that you may never have met otherwise!
They’re the easiest way to meet like-minded people, connect with people from different courses and parts of the world, and can make you feel right at home. Also, UCL has so many cultural and regional societies, so on the days that you miss home, you can attend events from your cultural or regional society.
2. Make the most of university accommodation or flat-shares
Many times, you may be living in a university hall or private student accommodation. If you are - say hi to your neighbour, knock on their door and ask them to dinner or simply just cook a meal together.
Socialise with the people you live with, and I promise, you will find someone whose company you enjoy! Your flatmates/ hallmates can also be your closest, and strongest support system - so tap into that.
3. Volunteer or get a part time job
When you volunteer or work outside of university time, you often meet like-minded people - both international, and local. You can build a professional network, that often also can help you grow your personal one, while building a positive impact (if you’re volunteering) or help you earn a little extra to support your time at university.
4. Say Hi to your partner in your seminar group or lab :)
You’ll likely be doing a lot of group work in university - and in turn, meeting a bunch of people. Don’t let that go to waste! Interact, say hi, grab a coffee after class… the options are endless.
Just because your professor assigned you to work with someone, doesn’t mean they can’t be a friend. Enjoy, and build connections - you never know which ones will hold a special place in your heart.
5. Explore London, try a new sport
Being in a new country is pretty exciting, and London has so very much to see! Roam around, even if you’re solo for the day, you never know, you may meet someone nice at the Blank Street you’re getting your mid-day matcha at, or in a walking tour you signed up for. If you’re not the tourist-y kind, sign up for a new sport: UCL has it all, and they’re all beginner friendly! You may just find someone you instantly click with as you learn how to actually box for the first time.
As an international student, things can be scary - but London is big and diverse, and it’s up to you what you make of it. Put yourself out there, you just don’t know the amazing people you can meet!