Written by Shantel Hussain
When I first started studying online as a full-time uni student, I was having a great time joining class in my pyjamas without anyone in class knowing ha-ha but as much fun as it is being an online student making friends may feel challenging! So as a second-year full-time online uni student, I’m going to give you my top three tips that helped me make uni friends.
- Being active in discussion forums and school group chats
Often when we first start a new session and a new subject the teacher would create an ‘introduction’ on discussion forums where we are to introduce ourselves. For example in one subject I was asked to share my name, why I chose this subject, and what I want to do when I finish my degree, and then we were supposed to comment on other students’ responses and get to know them, by doing this I made a lot of new friends who shared the same interests at me and also were studying to become a teacher like me.
For school group chats there are many created by students on WhatsApp within the first few weeks so we can help each other out. Also, students have created group chats on Facebook to join, study together, and become friends for example I’m in the ‘Future Teachers Studying at CSU‘ group where admins create group chats for each subject being taught making it easier for students to connect.
- Join uni events that are online-friendly
Most unis have Facebook groups which are virtual book clubs and study groups or even some groups have a weekly hangout day where all students can get together and do activities. That way you’re able to know your online friends in real life. Aswell, one tip for this step is to make sure you’re actively engaging with other students from the beginning of the session so you’ll be up to date when a group is created or even be the one to make a group yourself and allow other students to join!
- Study buddies
Most students in my experience want a study buddy, it’s always nice to have someone who’s also got the same weekly tasks and assignments to work on. You could start by suggesting a study session during the end of one of your classes and use platforms like Zoom to study with each other, this is also a plus in creating a genuine friendship with someone during your uni years.
Remember a few clicks of introducing yourself, suggesting study rooms and hangouts will help you create genuine friendships and you’ll be able to make some memories no matter where you’re studying from!
Charlie blog is a SSAF funded initiative
