For most freshers, meeting your flatmates is the most nerve-wracking aspect of your move to university
It seems like there’s so many things to worry about: making a bad impression with a poor outfit choice, cliquey flatmates who exclude you, introducing yourself without seeming pushy or arrogant… The list seems nearly endless. but, never fear, you will find most of these worries ungrounded.
However, the idea that you’ll end up being rather annoyed at flatmates who seem to always transform the kitchen into some kind of bio-hazard will probably ring true. Having said all of this, there are a couple of things you can do which will make your first couple of days a bit smoother and more pleasant in terms of getting to know your flatmates.
1. Don’t be arrogant
We all know you’re probably proud of your results that allowed you to get into the university of your choice, but all of your housemates will have got similar results. Ergo, there’s no need to mention them repeatedly. Similarly, make sure you don’t get into too heated discussions about why your A Levels were “better” than other peoples. Both of these make it appear as though you’re living in the past, as well as being a bit full of yourself.
2. Do be friendly to everyone
Even though some people may not look it, everyone is at least a little nervous when they first arrive at university. Remember that everyone’s in the same boat – they’re all on their own, so the more people you speak to the likelier it is that you’ll make more friends.
3. Don’t be too free with information about yourself
Yes you may still be really into Yu-Gi-Oh cards or have built your own computer, but that’s not necessarily what people need to know first about you. Don’t get me wrong here – be yourself, but just make sure you make the impression you want to make. It’s also a good idea to keep private information about your love life etc. to yourself. Not only may you get a reputation, but it might come across a bit too strong.
4. Do be sociable on the first few nights
Not everybody is into partying and drinking, but if you are don’t be shy – go out and enjoy yourself! The best way to get to know people can sometimes be drunken bonding (‘Never have I ever’ is always great for this). But, there will be some people who aren’t into that kind of thing, so if you’re not, group together and head out to the cinema, students union, or just chill in halls with some card games. Either way, it’s important not to hole yourself up in your room on the first few nights – people do start to make friends and you might feel a bit left out by time you decide to start socialising.
But most of all, enjoy yourself. Don’t get too wrapped up in the idea of being ‘popular’ – talk to everyone and give them a fair chance. You’ve got a whole new chance to reinvent yourself and get away from any stigmas or reputations from school. Just go for it, and try your best to not be nervous!
Do you have any advice on dos and don’ts when freshers first meet their flatmates? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Riza Nugraha / Flickr
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