Get Involved
Being worried about making new friends in Edinburgh is one of the most common concerns for new students. It is important to remember that you are not alone and that everyone else is in the same position.
There are many events on offer in your first few weeks, providing plenty of chances to meet new people and take the first step in building new friendships.
However, it may take time to find people you really connect with. Not everyone will make lasting connections during the first few weeks and this is nothing to worry about. There will be plenty of opportunities to meet people throughout your time in Edinburgh and friendships can be formed at any stage.
Find your people
One of the best aspects of being at university is connecting with so many people from all different backgrounds. Some of the best ways to meet other students with similar interests to you include joining societies, sports clubs and online networking platforms for students and alumni. You can do this at any stage of your student journey, and even before you arrive in Edinburgh.
As a new student, you automatically become a member of the Edinburgh University Students' Association, with access to over 325 societies and student representation.
Student societies
Student societies are a big part of the student experience and can be a great way to enhance your social and academic life. You don't have to be an expert on a particular topic to join a society. It is about developing new interests and experiences, meeting like-minded people and having fun. Most societies will host free 'taster' events during the first few weeks of the year. It is a good opportunity to try them out and find the ones that interest you the most.
Membership
Once you've found a society that you would like to join, you can apply to become a member. Each society will have a membership fee. Worried about the price of memberships? There is also an option to apply for the Student Participation Grant.
Find a society
Find out what societies there are to join and how to get involved! Membership prices can also be found at the link below, by selecting your choice of society then clicking 'Join'. With over 325 societies to choose from, there’s something for everyone.
Start a society
If you've got an idea you can also submit a proposal for a new society.
Start a society - find out how
Find out more
Watch our short 'How to...' video from 2023 to discover more about the societies you can join and how to get involved!
- Video: How to... Get involved with societies (UG/PGT/PGR)
- This 'How to...' video will cover how to get involved with societies. Find out what societies there are to join and how to get involved! This video is part of the 'How to...' 2023 series.
With over 70 sports clubs to choose from, staying active helps to maintain your physical, mental and social wellbeing. There are lots of activities to take part in, and you can become a member of the University gym.
Club sport
Joining a sports club gives you the opportunity to develop new interests, gain new experiences and meet like-minded people whilst having fun and keeping active. The University's Sports Union has a huge variety of clubs and types of activities available to suit different interests and abilities. You could try Archery or Windsurfing, Curling and Rounders. You can join a sports club no matter your experience. Everybody is welcome, whether you are a top performing athlete or trying a new sport for the first time.
Intramural and recreational sport
The Sports Union currently offers eight sports as part of the Intramural Sport Programme (Basketball, Football 5’s and 11’s, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Squash and Table Tennis).
The University is proud to host the largest Intramural Sport Programme in Scotland, offering a more relaxed alternative to club sport and open to everyone; individuals, groups of friends, postgraduates and international students alike. Many Intramural teams are affiliated with academic schools/subjects so you can play alongside your class mates.
Recreational sport is a fun and informal way to be active, try new activities and meet friends in a relaxed environment. These sessions are for all students, regardless of your previous relationship to sport. There is no pressure to compete and you can participate as and when suits you. Come along, get involved and fall in love with sport and physical activity, whilst improving your physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Further opportunities to get involved
Coaching and Volunteering Academy
Part of the Students' Association, the Peer Learning and Support service creates safe, confidential and informal spaces for students to get academic and social support from each other and more experienced student volunteers too.
Whether you’re looking to get involved with a peer-led student group that focuses on building academic and social communities within the University, or work on your academic skills and connect with new people, getting involved with Peer Learning and Support may be for you! Join your School's Peer Learning and Support groups to meet students who've been where you are now, and who can help you in your transition to University and beyond.
List of Peer Learning and Support Groups
Find out more
Watch our short 'How to...' video from 2023 to discover how to find and join peer-led student groups that focus on building academic and social communities.
- Video: How to... Get involved with Peer Learning and Support (UG/PGT/PGR)
- This 'How to...' video will cover how to get involved with Peer Learning and Support, including how to find and join peer-led student groups that focus on building academic and social communities. This video is part of the 'How to...' 2023 series.
As a new student, you may want to follow the University's social media accounts to find out what's happening in and around the University. You can also use these platforms to connect with your fellow students.
The official University of Edinburgh Facebook page can be found at the following link:
The University of Edinburgh on Facebook
There is also an official University of Edinburgh Facebook Group for new students joining in the academic year 2024-2025. This is a private group but a link will be sent to all new students. Look out for it in emails you receive from the University.
X
The official University of Edinburgh X account can be found at the following link:
The University of Edinburgh on X
The official University of Edinburgh Instagram page can be found at the following link:
The University of Edinburgh on Instagram
The official University of Edinburgh LinkedIn page can be found at the following link:
The University of Edinburgh on LinkedIn
Platform One
Platform One is the University of Edinburgh’s online networking platform, where you’ll find fellow students and alumni who are offering advice, support and sharing useful tips and insight. Platform One allows you to search for people by subject area, graduation year, location or even a shared interest, and gives you a friendly place to ask questions and make new connections.
Get set up on Platform One:
1. Sign-up to Platform One using your student login (your UUN)
2. Create a personal profile. It’s not just about your studies, this is the chance to introduce the real you, your likes and interests. The best connections are often made when two people find some common ground beyond subject areas.
3. Upload a clear photo of yourself and choose a personal cover image - these will also make your profile stand out.
4. Activate your 'Support' profile by clicking the ‘One to One Support’ tab; there you can choose to receive support from others, offer your support, or both!
5. Start searching for other members. You can search by name, education, career and interests, and for people who are offering support.
Find out more
Watch our short 'How to...' video from 2023 for an introduction to Platform One. Find out how you can make connections and get advice from all kinds of people during your studies and beyond.
- Video: How to... Make connections with Platform One (UG/PGT/PGR)
- This video is part of the 'How to...' 2023 series of pre-recorded videos. This session will introduce you to Platform One, the University's online community, and show you how you can use it to make connections and get advice from all kinds of people during your studies.