Features / Student things to do
Tips for bonding with new housemates
Being a first year at university can be a scary and confusing experience. Moving into a brand-new area and adjusting to adult life can be intimidating.
However, there is no need to fear.
Remember that everyone else around you probably feels the same way.
is needed now More than ever
The main idea of bonding with your flatmates is to get to know them and stay open minded.
Bonding with new people needn’t be difficult or scary – photo: courtesy of University of Bristol
It doesn’t matter whether you have elaborate nights out or just watch movies together.
Focus on looking after each other and making happy memories!
Here are some bonding ideas for you that will help you feel closer with your new friends and break through those first few awkward silences:
The room crawl
Dressing up and doing something silly is a great way to let your hair down – photo: Daisy Game
One of the fondest memories I have with my past flatmates was the night we decided to throw what we called a “room crawl”.
It is essentially a pub crawl, but for this occasion, the pubs are your shared spaces – or even your bedrooms.
You can organise it so that each room has a different theme.
When we did this, our night started in a ‘classic’ British pub (my flatmate’s bed with some country music and snacks) and ended at a festival, except instead of live performances we had a bed as a stage and a speaker as the acts.
Despite being quite simple, this night was surprisingly fun and would be a good way to bond with your new housemates in your own home.
Quiz nights
If you’re someone who likes to use your intelligence more than your creative side, you could plan a quiz night.
Pick a subject, come up with a few questions and rounds for it, and you have the perfect entertainment for you and your new housemates to enjoy.
When I arranged a quiz night with my flatmates, I had a lot of fun with it and made it Disney-themed, including costumes.
It’s a night I will happily reminisce over for years!
Getting out and about
A hot chocolate and a walk can be a great way to get know each other – especially in the autumn – photo: Bea Allan
If elaborate themed rooms or quiz nights are not really your thing, there are also more simple ways to get to know your flatmates.
You could arrange day trips to local museums or shops or even make a pledge to try out a new food place every time you go out.
Maybe try walking a loop of the Floating Harbour, or have a picnic on the Downs or at Ashton Court.
Bristol has so much to offer just beyond your doorstep, often without having to spend a penny.
Main photo: Robin Connolly
Read more: Introducing Bristol’s LGBTQ+ scene
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