By this point in the year, it can feel like everyone else has already found their friendship group. Lecture halls have familiar faces, housemates have settled in, and social circles can seem set. But here’s the reality: plenty of students are still figuring things out and it’s absolutely not too late to find your people.
University isn’t a race to secure a friendship group in the first few weeks. For many, the strongest connections form later, often through shared experiences and mutual interests rather than Welcome Week introductions.
Dive into clubs, societies and communities
If you haven’t explored them yet, or only tried one or two, the University of Liverpool Guild of Students still has more than 200 clubs and societies running throughout the year. From academic groups and cultural societies to hobby-based clubs and campaigning organisations, there are opportunities at every stage of the semester.
Joining mid-year can actually feel less intense. Groups are settled, routines are established, and socials are often more relaxed. You can ease yourself in, attend a few meetings and see what fits.
The Guild’s “Give It A Go” sessions are also still running, offering low-pressure ways to try something different. Whether it’s pickleball, mahjong, kickboxing or getting involved in a campaign, these tasters are designed for experimentation – no long-term commitment required.
Team sports and staying active
Sport is another space where new friendships form naturally. Sport Liverpool runs over 50 sports clubs, and many welcome new members throughout the year. From football and netball to cheerleading and futsal, training each week builds connection through shared effort and encouragement.
If competitive teams aren’t for you, the campus sport facilities also offer group classes and social sport sessions. These relaxed environments make it easy to chat, show up regularly and start recognising familiar faces.
Volunteer, lead and give back
Another way to meet like-minded people is by getting involved behind the scenes. Many societies and student-led projects look for volunteers and committee members year-round. Stepping into a role midway through the year can actually be a confidence boost — you’re contributing to something established while expanding your own circle.
Guild volunteering projects are also a meaningful way to connect. Working together towards a shared cause often creates strong bonds, while building valuable skills and experience.
A few reminders
- Friendship timelines look different for everyone. There’s no “right” point to feel settled.
- Consistency matters more than timing. Turning up regularly helps relationships grow.
- Most people are still open to meeting others. Even if it doesn’t always look that way.
If this year hasn’t unfolded quite how you expected socially, that doesn’t mean it won’t. There’s still time to try something new, join a different group, or say yes to an opportunity you might have hesitated over before.
Finding your people doesn’t have a deadline — and your university story is still being written.