Ideas that can help you get to know each other better

Breaking the ice with your flatmates is a great way to start building a friendly and comfortable living environment. This can often be easier said than done, so we’ve put together some ideas of things to do during freshers that can help you get to know each other better.  

Introduce yourself

Take the initiative and make the first move! It can be scary at first but just stick to being yourself and say hi when you first meet your flatmates. Be friendly, smile, and even throw in a joke if you're feeling confident (just make sure it's a good one). If you're struggling with topics of conversation then just remember, you're all currently in the same new student boat so you will have a lot of the same questions - figure out the answers together!

Hang out in the communal areas

Want to create those chances of conversation with your new flatmates? Then stick to the communal areas rather than hiding out in your room. You'll bump into your flatmates more frequently, giving you more opportunities to form connections. Watch TV in your living room or cook something in the kitchen, they might end up joining in.

Create a flat group chat

Find a social media or messaging service you all use and create a group chat dedicated to the people in your flat. Engage in conversations, share helpful or interesting information and create plans that are fun for everyone. It's a great communication tool and will make breaking the ice even easier.

Organise a group outing

Sometimes the best way to break the ice is by throwing yourself (and your flatmates) into the deep end. Whether you’re talking about going out to Fruity on a Friday, or attending a ResLife BBQ, there will be plenty of events happening on campus throughout freshers. Usually, people opt for a night out filled with drinking but alcohol might not be for everyone, so why not choose an activity where it's not vital to be drinking? There are plenty of ResLife events happening in the first few weeks, so check out your event calendars in your flat and see what everyone fancies!

Come up with a weekly activity

On the other hand, you could suggest a cheaper in-house activity that can be repeated each week, such as inviting your flatmates to cook or eat a meal together. It's a great way to bond over food and get to know each other's tastes and preferences. You could also have movie nights, board games, or just have a nice catch-up. It's an excellent opportunity to break the initial awkwardness and start getting to know each other.

Help out and share

This is a real no-brainer but if you want to quickly gain the favour of your fellow flatmates then help them out! If you see your flatmates struggling with something, offer a helping hand and share when you can. It could be something like setting up their Wi-Fi, offering directions around the area, or anything else they might need assistance with. Just a little good deed can go a long way to making you and your flatmates more comfortable with each other.

Remember, breaking the ice is all about being warm, friendly, and open to making new connections. With a positive and approachable attitude, you'll soon be on your way to creating great relationships with your flatmates!