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Making Friends at Uni: A Survival Guide

Happy friends at university

You’ve officially stepped onto campus—congratulations! Now, you’re probably wondering, how on earth do I make friends here? Don’t stress, we’ve got your back with this survival guide to navigating the social jungle that is university life.

Step 1: Be Open to Awkward Hellos

Let’s face it: everyone’s new at some point. Those awkward “hi’s” and nervous smiles? Totally normal. Lean into the discomfort—it’s a rite of passage. Before you know it, those “hellos” will turn into actual conversations.

Step 2: Say Yes to Things

When your friend invites you to trivia night, or someone asks to study together—say yes! These low-pressure activities are goldmines for meeting new people. Trivia night could lead to your new best mate, and study groups might just become your go-to squad.

Step 3: Actually Talk to People

Sounds simple, right? But liking someone’s Insta post doesn’t count as real interaction. Start conversations, ask questions, and take the time to genuinely get to know people. You’ll be surprised at how far just chatting can go.

Step 4: Network (Without It Feeling Cringe)

Networking doesn’t just have to be about your future job prospects—it can be about making future friends too! Whether it’s a classmate or a club member, you never know when someone might become your go-to person or even your future boss.

Pro Move: Use GapMash

GapMash takes the guesswork out of meeting new people. No more awkward “Where do I start?” moments—just find events, connect with others, and take it from there. It’s like socialising with a cheat code.

Ready to make the most of your uni experience? Get out there and start meeting people with GapMash.

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Fresh Year, Fresh You: Hit Reset on Uni Life

Friends walking to class

New year, new academic ambitions… or at least new excuses for skipping 9 AM lectures. Whether last year was a hot mess or a major win, the beauty of uni life is that you get a fresh start every year. So why not make this one count?

Clean Slate Energy

Missed too many lectures? Ghosted your group project? Accidentally became nocturnal? No stress. The new semester is your chance to reset, rebrand, and redeem yourself.

Set Some (Realistic) Goals

Let’s be real—aiming for straight HDs while juggling three side hustles and a social life might be a bit ambitious. But here are some goals you can actually stick to:

  • Show up to at least some lectures (or at least keep up with the recordings).
  • Join a society that offers more than just free pizza (though, no judgment).
  • Expand your social circle—because uni is way more fun with friends. GapMash makes this easy.

Pro Tip: Balance is Key

Uni isn’t just about studying; it’s about the full experience. Master the art of balancing work, fun, and naps like a pro. Build a schedule that lets you stay on top of assignments and still have time to hit up events, explore new hobbies, and make unforgettable memories.

Ready to make this year your best yet? Check out GapMash to find events, meet new people, and actually enjoy a balanced uni life.

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4 Tips to Navigating Campus Life Like a Pro

Students Studying on the grass together

Welcome to uni life! Gone are the days of 9-to-3 schedules and parental nagging (finally). But now it’s all you—freedom, independence, and let’s be honest, a little chaos. Don’t stress! With a few hacks and a little help from GapMash, you’ll go from campus rookie to feeling right at home.

Find Your Spots
Every campus has the spots—best coffee, chill study nooks, and places to escape when it all gets too much. Explore early and claim your go-to spaces. Bonus points if your favorite spot is near your next lecture.

Get Your Schedule Sorted
Lectures, tutes, study groups… and your social life? Juggling them all can feel like an Olympic sport. Enter GapMash! With its event-planning and social features, you can coordinate meetups, study groups, or just find out what’s happening around campus—without endless group chat debates.

Say Yes to (Almost) Everything
From trivia nights to club fairs, your uni years are prime time for trying new things. Join clubs, meet people, and maybe even discover a hidden talent (fencing club, anyone?). GapMash keeps you in the loop with campus events, so you’ll never miss out.

Be Proactive in Making Friends
Whether it’s chatting up the person next to you in a lecture or joining a Society social event, putting yourself out there pays off. Friendships made at uni can last a lifetime, and this is the perfect time to build those connections.

Your Uni Life, Your Way
Campus life is full of opportunities and challenges, but you’ve got the tools to make the most of it. Stay organized, explore new experiences, and keep GapMash in your pocket for planning and connecting.

Here’s to a fantastic start to your uni adventure!

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4 Steps to Overcoming Social Anxiety at University

Students studying on the grass

Ever felt like you’re stuck in a bubble, too scared to pop it and venture into the unknown? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Social anxiety can feel like a heavy weight, keeping us tethered to our comfort zones. But fear not, because I’m here to show you how to break free and thrive in the exciting world outside your bubble.

 

Understanding Social Anxiety:

First off, let’s tackle the beast head-on: social anxiety. It’s like having a nagging voice in your head, telling you to stay put and avoid any situation that might trigger those uncomfortable feelings. But here’s the secret – those feelings are temporary, and they’re a sign that you’re on the brink of something amazing.

 

Steps to Overcoming Social Anxiety:

 

1.     Start Small: Dip your toes into the water by initiating a conversation with a classmate or joining a low-pressure social activity. Trust me, every little step counts.

2.     Gradual Exposure: Take it one step at a time. Challenge yourself to try new things, whether it’s attending a club meeting or volunteering for a campus event. The more you expose yourself to new experiences, the more resilient you become.

3.     Practice Self-Compassion: It’s okay to feel nervous or awkward – we’re all human, after all. Be kind to yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

4.     Embracing the Adventure: Now, let’s talk about the fun part – embracing the adventure beyond your comfort zone. Think about all the amazing opportunities waiting for you out there: from discovering new passions to forming meaningful connections with people from all walks of life.

 

And guess what? You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Say hello to GapMash – your trusty sidekick for finding events and activities in and around campus. Whether you’re into sports, arts, or just chilling with friends, GapMash has got you covered. Download the app now and start exploring!

 

It’s time to kick social anxiety to the curb and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Remember, the magic happens when you step outside your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. So go ahead, take that leap – I promise you won’t regret it. 

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3 Ways Collaborating at University Will Make You More Successful

Professional Collaboration

Let’s talk about something that can truly enhance your university journey: collaboration. Yep, those group study sessions and team projects might seem like just another academic chore, but trust me, they pack a powerful punch in shaping both your social and academic experiences.

 

1. Group Study Sessions: Strength in Numbers

 

Ever felt like tackling that mountain of readings alone is just too daunting? Enter group study sessions, your secret weapon against academic overwhelm. When you gather with classmates, you’re not just sharing notes; you’re tapping into a collective brainpower that can illuminate even the most confusing concepts.

 

Picture this: you’re stuck on a particularly tricky theorem, but your study buddy has a lightbulb moment and explains it in a way that finally clicks. That “aha!” moment? It’s the magic of collaboration at work.

 

2. Team Projects: More Than Just Grades

 

Ah, team projects – dreaded by many, but hear me out. They’re more than just a means to an end (yes, grades). Team projects are golden opportunities to sharpen vital skills like communication, leadership, and teamwork – skills that will serve you well beyond the classroom.

 

Think about it: in your future career, you won’t be flying solo. You’ll be part of a team, tackling challenges together and leveraging each other’s strengths. So why not start flexing those teamwork muscles now?

 

3. The Collaborative Edge

 

 

Now, here’s a pro-tip: leverage technology to streamline your collaborative efforts. Whether it’s scheduling study sessions or coordinating project meetings, tools like GapMash can make the process a breeze.

 

GapMash is your go-to app for seamless collaboration. With its nifty GapMash function, you can easily find time slots that sync up with your friends’ schedules, making it a breeze to plan those group study sessions or coordinate team project meetings.

 

So, what are you waiting for? Download GapMash, rally your squad, and embark on a journey of shared learning and growth. Trust us, when you harness the power of collaboration, there’s no limit to what you can achieve.

 

Collaboration isn’t just about boosting your grades (though that’s definitely a perk!). It’s about forging meaningful connections, honing vital skills, and embracing the journey alongside your peers. So let’s band together, support one another, and make the most of our university experience – together.

 

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4 Tips to Building Professional Relationships – Networking At University

Students Networking

So, you’re in university, gearing up for your future career. You’ve got the grades, the enthusiasm, but there’s one more thing you shouldn’t overlook: networking. Yep, that seemingly daunting word. But fear not, because networking isn’t just for the suits and ties; it’s for us, too!

1. Embrace Genuine Connections:

Picture this: You’re at a campus event, maybe a workshop or a seminar. You strike up a conversation with someone who shares your interests. Boom! You’ve just networked. It’s that simple. Networking is all about building relationships, not just collecting business cards. Let’s ditch the nerves. Networking isn’t about selling yourself; it’s about making genuine connections. Be yourself, ask questions, and listen actively.

2. Where to Network:

Now, where to network? Start with campus events, clubs, and societies related to your field of interest. But don’t stop there. Social media platforms like LinkedIn are gold mines for networking. Connect with professionals, join groups, and participate in discussions.

3. Give and Take:

Expanding your social circle isn’t just beneficial for landing that dream job; it’s also about personal growth. You’ll meet people from diverse backgrounds, learn new perspectives, and maybe even discover unexpected passions. Networking is a two-way street. Offer help, share resources, and be generous with your time and knowledge.

4. Discover GapMash: But wait, there’s more! Ever heard of GapMash? It’s the ultimate app for students looking to connect and find events in and around campus. From career fairs to workshops to society gatherings and events, GapMash has got you covered. So, what are you waiting for? Download the app and start expanding your network today!

Networking is a skill worth mastering. It’s not about schmoozing or collecting contacts; it’s about forging meaningful connections that can propel your career and enrich your life.

So, go ahead, step out of your comfort zone, and let the networking journey begin!