Making friends

Back to wellbeing support

Many students can feel a little homesick or lonely at times – it is not uncommon. Making new friends and getting involved with student life may help you make connections and feel part of the community. And remember you are never alone with lots of support on offer if you need to chat.

Opportunities to chat at CCCU

We know talking is good for your mental wellbeing. We’ve made a number of spaces for you to meet new people, have a chat with mates, or talk to the Student Support team throughout the week.

The Wellbeing Café
Launched February 2023 and taking place every Thursday in the Food Court from 2pm, the Student Wellbeing team is available to talk, answer questions, or listen to feedback you may have. Come along to relax, play games or enjoy a free cuppa, biscuits and free soup.

Happy to Chat Campus' Benches
Look out for these special Happy to Chat areas designed by the Canterbury Christ Church Creatives. These spaces invite people to speak to and interact with others but are also decorative. Found at Verena Holmes and Salomons Library as well as outside by Anslem Pond, Erasmus and Rowan Williams Court in Medway, we hope they brighten our campuses and bring joy to those who see and use them.

Tea at Three
The Chaplaincy offers a safe space where any student can chat in a non-judgmental environment and every weekday at 3pm they are offering free refreshments too! The Chaplaincy at Medway also holds a weekly chill, chat, and relax space every Wednesday.

Chooseday Chill
Chooseday Chill happens every Tuesday between 5 – 7pm in Augustine House. You can play board games, try your hand at some crafts, have a go at ping pong, or just chill. It is a great way to meet other students as well as the Student Wellbeing team, or catchup with old friends - it is very informal and you are welcome to drop in at any time, have a cuppa and some free toast.

Get Involved

Students' Union Clubs and Societies

The easiest way to make friends and get involved at University is to link up with others who have something in common, whether that’s musical taste, sharing an interest, a mutual love of art, or just a way of life. The SU clubs and societies are a great way to do this.

Student Events

From workshops to debates there is plenty of extra-curricular activity going on at Uni. So if you want to meet new people and keep busy check out the student calendar of events.

Volunteering

The Volunteering Service exists to encourage students to engage with their local community doing something worthwhile, making new friends and having fun whilst gaining new skills.

CCCU Sports and Active Health

Keeping fit and regular exercise is great for your mental wellbeing and can also help you meet new people. CCU Sports offer a gym, fitness classes and social sports.

Self Help Guide on Shyness and Social Anxiety

Most of us feel shy or anxious in social situations at some point but this can be much more serious for some people. This guide will help you recognise if you have a problem with social anxiety, understand what might cause it and look at ways to overcome it.

Need to talk

Mental Wellbeing Team

If the feeling of homesickness is getting too overwhelming you can talk or have a chat to our Mental Wellbeing Team.

24/7 Support with Spectrum.Life

In partnership with the Mental Wellbeing Team, Spectrum.Life will offer students immediate online, text and telephone support from qualified professionals. You can talk to them about anything, including stress, anxiety, low mood, financial worries, loss and grief, relationship difficulties, substance abuse issues and much more. They will work with you in getting initial help and liaise with the Mental Wellbeing Team for ongoing support.

Chaplaincy

The University Chaplains offer a confidential listening service in a safe space where you can talk through any problems in a non-judgmental environment.

There also offer great events such as Tea at Three which are about providing a safe and comfortable place for students to meet new people.