Worried about making friends and settling in when you join us at Royal Holloway? Almost everyone who starts at university is looking to make new friends, so you’re already in good company! We run a huge range of events on campus during Welcome Week, to help you meet new people and make friends, and most students find settling in much easier than they thought it would be.

If you're feeling daunted, here are some quick tips on how to make new friends and make the most of the activities on offer during Welcome Week. 

Our top bit of advice is to get out and about, and don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people! You might find some of your best friends turn out to be living right next to you in your Halls, or they might be people you meet at an event or in a sports club or society.

If you're going to spend some time in your room (like when you're unpacking) make sure you take the time to introduce yourself to your new flatmates and spend some time in the communal areas as well. 

Don't forget to visit the Welcome Zone throughout Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September from 8.30am - 6pm in the Davison Building Atrium.

The Students’ Union has lots of sports clubs and societies for you to join (146 at the last count!), from fashion and film, to cheerleading and ultimate frisbee. Student societies run lots of events in Welcome Week and are a great place to meet people you share interests with.

The Freshers' Fair will take place from 12-5pm on Monday 23 and Tuesday 24 September of Welcome Week in the Sports Centre. The Fair brings together all our clubs and societies in one place; you can find out about the events, socials and competitions that they'll be hosting throughout the year, and even sign up as a new member right away! 

Most societies also have websites and social media pages where you can meet existing members and find out more. Click here for a full list of the societies on campus and buy your membership.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, explore our community and to grow as a person. 

Our award-winning Volunteering team has over 2,000 registered volunteers and over 250 partners in the local community. The Festival of Volunteering is taking place on on Wednesday 25 September and is a great way to meet lots of charities, current student volunteers, and discover fun opportunities to get you started with straight away! You could get involved in all kinds of projects, from helping protect animals and the environment, to helping refugees and older members of our local area. Find out what you could get involved in.

A part-time job is the perfect way to gain experience and make new friends while you do it! Our Careers & Employability Service runs a range of events throughout the academic year, including the Part-time Jobs Fair which takes place on Wednesday 2 October, 11am-3pm in the Students' Union Main Hall. The fair is a great place to meet employers, find out about job opportunities and get a job that fits with your studies.

The Part-time Jobs Fair even offer on-the day interview slots with Thorpe Park – bring your CV to the Thorpe Park stand and maybe get a job on the spot!

With so many bars and food outlets on campus there are lots of job opportunities here too! The Students’ Union alone employs more than 250 students in a range of roles from bar and catering through to graphic designers and social media coordinators.

With excellent sports facilities on site, including a fitness suite and group exercise classes it couldn't be easier to keep active! The Active Programme includes drop-in sport and a social league, and with a variety of memberships available, you can find one to suit your budget and interests 

Our Sports Centre has a whole programme of drop-in sessions and social leagues that continue all year round too, so why not get started during Welcome Week?