How to meet people in your student accommodation

But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go through it alone. Making friends at uni doesn’t happen overnight, but it’s way easier (and way more fun) when you’ve got a space that brings people together. That’s where we come in.

At Scape, we believe that your student accommodation should be more than just a place to crash — it’s where your uni story really begins. We’re all about creating those genuine campus connections that make campus life unforgettable. Whether you’re in London, Guildford, or Leeds, we’ve got a buzzing residence community filled with people just like you — ready to make memories, share experiences, and build lifelong friendships.

So if you’ve ever wondered how to socialise at uni, or you’re still figuring out how to meet people when you’ve just unpacked your boxes, we’ve got your back. Let’s get into our guide on making friends at uni and turning your student accommodation into your ultimate social hub.

Step One: Put Yourself Out There (We Promise It’s Worth It)

We know — easier said than done. But everyone’s in the same boat during the first few weeks. Whether you’re the life of the party or prefer low-key hangouts, uni gives you the perfect opportunity to start fresh and connect with people who just get you.

The trick? Say yes more often. Go to that accommodation event, show up to a welcome mixer, or join a random quiz night. You never know when a small “hey” might turn into a big friendship.

At Scape, we make this super easy. We host loads of accommodation events on-site — everything from Welcome mixers, foodie events to creative workshops. You can check what’s happening through the Scape App, where we keep all our upcoming events in one place. It’s your go-to for all things social, and the perfect way to see what’s happening around your building.

Every event is designed to spark student interactions and help our residents connect naturally — no forced small talk required (unless you love small talk, in which case… go off).  

Step Two: Embrace the Residence Community

When you live with Scape, you’re not just renting a room — you’re joining a vibrant residence community. Think of it like your own little social ecosystem, full of opportunities to get involved, collaborate, and grow.

We’ve seen friendships form over shared Netflix binges, midnight study sessions, and welcome parties. It’s all part of the magic of university living — the people you meet at your accommodation often end up being your closest uni friends.

And because we know how important campus networking is (yes, even outside of job fairs), we create events that connect you not only with your flatmates but with residents across the whole building. It’s a built-in way to expand your social circle and meet new people without even leaving your home base.

Whether you’re into fitness classes, creative workshops, or foodie events, there’s something for everyone. These aren’t just events for the sake of it — they’re about helping you find your people and make this new chapter feel like home.

Step Three: Get Involved in Campus Life

Your uni experience isn’t limited to lectures and libraries — campus life is where the real memories are made. The clubs you join, the societies you sign up for, and the random conversations you have in the corridor all help you build your own story.

If you’re wondering how to socialise beyond your accommodation, here’s a tip: don’t overthink it. Start small. Join a club that matches your interests (even if you’re terrible at it), grab coffee with your course mates, or study in a common area instead of hiding in your room.

The beauty of university living is that you’re surrounded by potential friends 24/7. And with Scape’s supportive environment, you’ve got the perfect balance of personal space and social opportunities.

Step Four: Explore Your City

Whether you’ve landed in the heart of London, the creative buzz of Leeds, or the cosy charm of Guildford, your uni city is bursting with opportunities to connect. Go explore with your flatmates — wander through street markets, check out local cafés, or hit up a museum on a lazy Sunday.

Shared experiences are the secret sauce to making friends at uni. You’ll bond over bad directions, inside jokes, and discovering your new favourite spots together. And when you come home to Scape, you’ll always have a crew ready for your next adventure.

Step Five: Remember — Everyone Feels the Same

It’s easy to think you’re the only one struggling to make friends, but here’s the truth: literally everyone is trying to figure it out too. From freshers to postgrads, everyone wants connection — and sometimes all it takes is one person brave enough to say “hi.”

So, take a deep breath and give yourself permission to be open. You might meet your new best friend at an accommodation event, bump into them in the laundry room, or match with them on a group project. The opportunities are endless.

If you’re ever feeling stuck, our Scape team is always around to help. We’re here to make sure every resident feels part of something bigger — a residence community where you can thrive academically, socially, and personally.

Step Six: Use the Scape App to Stay in the Loop

One of the easiest ways to keep your social calendar full? The Scape App. It’s your pocket guide to all the fun happening around your accommodation.

You can RSVP, check updates, and connect with your fellow residents — basically, it’s your shortcut to never missing out. We’ve built it to make student interactions smoother, so you can focus on what really matters: enjoying your campus life and creating memories.

Step Seven: Keep Showing Up

Friendship takes time — and that’s okay! The best connections are the ones that grow naturally. Keep showing up to events, chatting with people in common spaces, and saying yes to new experiences. The more you engage, the easier it becomes.

Remember, how to meet people isn’t about having the perfect conversation starter — it’s about being present. Whether it’s helping a flatmate cook dinner, studying with your neighbours, or attending a themed night in the lounge, every little moment adds up.

So there you have it — your ultimate guide on how to meet new friends, making friends at uni, and building that dream residence community. Moving to a new city can feel daunting, but at Scape, you’ll never have to figure it out alone.

From our social spaces to our lively accommodation events, we’ve designed everything to help you make real campus connections and embrace every part of university living. Whether you’re based in London, Guildford, or Leeds, your next adventure — and your next best friend — could be just around the corner.

So grab your phone, open the Scape App, and see what’s happening this week. Because the best way to start building your uni friends network? Just show up.

Your people are waiting. 💛