Moving into Newfoundland student apartments or your first off-campus housing near MUN, CNA, or Academy Canada? Welcome to the era of new people, awkward introductions, and figuring out who your people are. If you’re nervous about making friends—or just want to avoid being stuck with no one to sit next to in class — this one’s for you.

Join a Club. No, Seriously.

Yes, it looks great on a resume. But more importantly, clubs are where you find real friends. I used to think I was “too cool” to join a club in university (translation: I thought it was lame), and I genuinely regret it. Sure, you might have to do a few things you’d rather not, but most of it? It’s fun.

Clubs bring together every type of person — bookworms, extroverts, introverts, and the “too cool to be here” crowd. You’ll meet people you wouldn’t cross paths with otherwise, and that’s what makes it work. Not in a group project kind of way — actually on your own terms.

If you’re going to MUN, check out  this list of clubs and societies. There’s really something for everyone.

Pick a Seat With Potential

On the first day of class, sit next to someone you think looks like a future friend. Yes — judge the book by its cover. In most lecture halls, where you sit on Day One ends up being your spot for the next four months. So why not sit beside someone who gives “future friend” vibes?

Not sure how to start the convo? Go with, “Did you buy the textbook yet?” or “Have you taken a class with this prof before?”— literally anything works. No one thinks it’s weird. Everyone around you is just as nervous. Be the person who says hi first. Wouldn’t you rather be nervous with someone else?

Always Say Yes

Okay, maybe not always, but in Week One? Say yes to as much as possible. Go to the soccer game, even if it’s not your thing. Say yes to that ice cream run you didn’t really feel like going on (liar). It’s not about the activity — it’s about becoming familiar, fast. Show up and you’ll stay top of mind for other people. They’ll become top of mind for you too.

Bonus Tip

Also? Hang out on campus. I know, ew. But hear me out — you’re paying a lot for your school, so why not at least exist there? A big bonus of meeting people on campus is that they usually turn into “study friends.” And that means actual productivity. It’s a win-win.

Friends for the Phases (but Maybe More?)

If there’s one thing university is really good for, it’s giving you friends for the moment — people who show up exactly when you need them. I mean this in the most genuine way possible: your party friend, your study buddy, your “we met during Frosh Week and trauma bonded” friend. Not every friendship needs to last forever to matter.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with being friends with Jenny for one semester because you two have the best time together every Friday. You might only hear from her on Thursdays to see what your plans are — but hey, for the plot, right? These people — the weekend friends, the library regulars, the roommates who become like family — all of them shape your university experience in different ways. 

Whether you meet your soulmate roommate in your shared student apartment or someone who just makes your Mondays a little easier, it all counts. And it’s all worth it. So keep calm… and text your random lab partner from first year. You never know…