At college or university?

Don’t forget that at college and university everyone is in the same position and everyone is worried about making new friends. Tutors are well aware of this and try to encourage you to talk to other people on your course. Sometimes the first few days seem like an endless round of going to new places: signing up at the student union, joining the library, finding the canteen… If you find yourself in a queue use it as an opportunity to talk to the people next to you, even if you just start by moaning about the queue!

Social networking sites are also good for finding out who will be at college with you, often people start up freshers groups on Facebook so people can have a virtual chat before arriving.

Student unions tend to have lots of groups and clubs to join if you want to find friends with similar interests. These can range from sport to fairtrade. Have a look at your student union website to find out more, or go along to your freshers fair at the beginning of the year. Did you know that Edinburgh University has a juggling society, or that St Andrews University has a pirate society? You can also start up your own!

Not at college or university?

There are still plenty of opportunities to make new friends. Starting a new job means meeting new people and although you’re probably all not going to best friends at the end of your first day, you’ll get to know your new colleagues as time goes on. Many people know some of their best friends through work.

Again, joining a club or group can lead to meeting new friends. Sports clubs are often the obvious, but many towns and cities have music and craft clubs. Many colleges and community centres offer evening and weekend classes where you can learn about something new.

Social networking sites can also help here. There are lots of interest groups on Facebook and Bebo and many are based in particular towns or areas. Some meet up in real life, if you do meet up with people you have got to know in this way you should always meet in a public place and tell someone what you are doing. That might seem over the top, but people aren’t necessarily always who they say they are online.

Young Scot WOW

Have a look at our What's On Where site to find clubs to join, classes to take and events to go to that might help you make some new friends.