Make new friends and have some fun!
You’re about to start a brand new chapter and move to a new place – which can be scary! I was so nervous moving to campus my first year. Luckily, there are ample opportunities to be social and make friends in University Housing.
I’m going to share a few tips and resources to help you expand your network and find your people!
Attend Housing Events
One of the best ways to be social and meet new friends is attending the many University Housing events! There are events happening all the time, making it easy to put yourself out there while, of course, having fun.
Pretty much every week, University Housing has special dining events, academic-based events and fun activities like trivia, karaoke, game nights and more!
These events are free to attend and often feature fun prizes and snacks. Events are a great way to meet new people, so grab your roommate or neighbor and go!
If you want to keep up with the events schedule, check out the Housing Insider newsletter that will be sent to your email inbox every other week. You can also follow along with our social media, check the Illinois app or look at the Housing events calendar online!
Take Advantage of Common Spaces
University Housing also makes it easy to socialize with great common spaces throughout Housing buildings. The Student Dining and Residential Programs building, or SDRP, is a hub for Housing residents, as is Main Street in Illinois Street residence halls, commonly known as ISR.
Inside both buildings are a variety of different common spaces, lounge areas, study spots and places to eat. They’re great places to meet up with your friends or make new ones!
There are also lounge areas in each hall, where your resident advisor might host events or you and your friends can hang out and meet new people.
Another great common space is our dining halls and dining retail locations, such as the recently-opened Corner Café in FAR!
Our all-you-care-to-eat dining halls are designed with innovative seating arrangements that make it easy for groups to gather and enjoy a meal with friends.
Although there are plenty of spots throughout University Housing where residents can have their alone time, there are great common spaces to meet new friends and get social.
Join Housing Groups and Campus Organizations
The University of Illinois has hundreds of registered student organizations, club sports and more; however, there are opportunities to get involved in student groups within University Housing as well!
There are seven Central Housing Groups and Programs for residents to get involved in and meet new people, such as the Asian American Student Housing Organization, Central Black Student Union and more. Learn more about how to get involved under the “Explore” tab on our University Housing website.
Work with Us
Student employment opportunities are another great way to get involved and meet new people. There are always student job openings within University Housing, including office assistants, front desk clerks, dining employees, Inclusion & Leadership mentors, iGuides and many more!
Not only is student employment a great way to earn money and boost your resume, but you can also meet great co-workers and interact with fellow residents of University Housing.
I have created great friendships through working here in the University Housing marketing office!
To keep up with employment opportunities, regularly check the Housing Employment System Student Portal for openings and application information.
Let’s Connect!
Even though moving to a new place and creating a new network can be scary, University Housing makes it easy and provides a variety of opportunities to meet new people and be social.
I recommend getting as involved as you can, whether it be student groups, jobs or just getting to know the people on your floor.
I also recommend attending every event you can, especially during Move-In week!
Lastly, if you’re comfortable, prop your door open on occasion to make it easy for fellow residents to say hello. We are so excited to welcome you to the University Housing community. Don’t be nervous to put yourself out there and get involved!
