Many students find meeting new people and making friends amongst the most exciting but also most difficult aspects of starting university. We recognise this can also look a little different in an online-only setting, too. Here are some ways you can meet others on your programme.

Making friends can be tricky for anyone and at any time, but the first semester at university is a big period of change and adaptation and the social and routine-based aspects of autism can make things a little bit harder. It doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but as with so many things, it can just take a different path for autistic people. Knowing how to meet new people is a great way to start. 

University of the Built Environment’s community and events hub offers a number of different options to meet other students, with groups such as the networking scheme (both online and in-person), peer assisted learning, female networking group, and ‘Space to Study’; an in-person study group. We also have roles for Student Officers and Reps, which offer the chance to raise awareness of, and champion EDI (equality, diversity, inclusion) at the institution and within the built environment.

Whilst focusing on studies and careers goals might be the main aim, it’s important to think about the enrichment and opportunities that networking and friendship can bring. For some autistic students, studying online may make this aspect more manageable and comfortable than in an in-person setting. For one, you have more control over who you want to interact with, and when. If you don’t feel like joining a live online lecture, then it’s perfectly fine to watch this on-demand at a later date. Likewise, there’s no pressure for small talk whilst you find your seats in a lecture theatre, as lectures are all online.

Welcome Week/Welcome Back Week

Each new semester, University of the Built Environment run a number of live and pre-recorded events for new students as part of ‘Welcome Week’. This, as well as additional resources, are available to returning students as part of ‘Welcome Back’ week. Sessions cover topics such as:

• Introduction to professional memberships, such as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• VLE and e-Library guidance
• Course inductions for each of our programmes
• Study Support
• Careers Advice
• Widening participation activities and support
• The Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). This is the process by which the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) ensures individuals are competent to practise as chartered surveyors.
• Disability Support
• Ways to Wellbeing
• Widening participation activities and support

There are also Padlets and forums where you can post messages to other students. These activities can be great ways to get to know more about the university, and to meet others on your programme.

Student Officers

University of the Built Environment’s Student Officers provide representation of and the lived experience of Widening Participation and Sustainability. They cover areas such as Inclusion, female students, mature learners as well as Disability and Mental Health. They also raise awareness of issues and make recommendations to the University as to how it can further support students.

Student Reps

Student Rep roles are available for each programme. Students in these roles are generally involved in setting up communication groups for each programme, such as WhatsApp groups, and are trained in supporting community activity.

Female Networking Group

You are more than welcome to join our Female Student Networking Group, an online community designed to connect and support students who identify as women at University of the Built Environment. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet fellow students, share experiences, and build a supportive network.

Peer Assisted Learning

Peer assisted learning (PAL) is for students in their first semester at University. PAL is a fantastic way to boost your understanding of your programme, enhance your study skills and meet other students with sessions led by experienced student PAL Leaders from the year above. By working together, students can share knowledge and support each other through the ups and downs of the first semester at University. Sessions are one hour and once per fortnight across Semester 1.

Form or join a study group

Even if you wouldn’t hang out with people on your programme at home, it can be really useful to discuss coursework with them, as you can all check your understanding and gain new perspectives on your work. Try speaking to people at the end of a lecture or on a forum, and ask if they’d like to join a study group. It’s all about the work, not who likes who, and so there’s a good chance they’ll say yes. Equally, if you are asked – give it a go. You can always leave the group if you choose.

Find friends online

You can even start getting to know people before you go to uni – some courses and universities set up groups for new students, and forums like The Student Room have subforums for every UK university, with threads about applying to uni, what courses are really like and so on. You can always ask in existing interest groups on forums and social media if anyone is going to your university.

1. National Autistic Society social skills advice
2. An autistic guide to finding the right friends