By Abigail, from Scotland, studying Biological Sciences (Immunology)

This Valentine’s Day, we’re focusing on platonic and self-love! If you’re looking for advice on how to make friends, improve your relationships, and look after yourself, this is the blog for you!

Meeting people at university 

Making friends at university can be tough – it’s not easy to put yourself out there. Luckily, there are lots of different ways you can meet people without stress at university! 

Societies 

• Edinburgh University Students’ Association (EUSA) and the Sports Union offer a great variety of societies and sports teams you can join 
• Go along to society events to meet like-minded people 
• Most societies run social events – get to know your clubmates! 
• Running for committee is a great way to get your name known and interact with everyone in your society 

Explore the societies available on EUSA’s website 

Lectures/classes 

• Groupwork activities will introduce you to a lot of new faces 
• As you get to know people in your group, suggest staying in contact 
• Ask to sit next to someone new in a lecture if you would like some friendly faces on your course 
• You’re all taking the same course, so that’s something in common! 

Student’s Association 

• EUSA offers work and volunteering opportunities 
• You can run as a Student or School Representative for your courses, or as a Sabbatical or Liberation Officer 
• You can also work in the EUSA cafes and catering outlets to make money while you study 
• Meeting new colleagues and other volunteers is another great opportunity to meet people! 

Outside groups 

• Edinburgh offers many volunteering opportunities, sports clubs, music clubs, and jobs 
• Joining something that interests you can help you meet a lot of new people from different backgrounds 

Building and maintaining relationships 

Maintaining your friendships and relationships are essential – it’s important to make time for people important to you! 

Spend time together 

• Arrange regular meet ups with your friends and family if they’re close by 
• You could have them round to your place, go out for food or coffee, shop, or exercise together 

Study dates 

• Working and studying together can help improve retention! 
• You can also help each other with your coursework 
• Find a spot in the library together or find a local coffee shop to get out of the house for a change of scenery 

Communication 

• Good communication is key for maintaining relationships 
• Stay in contact over social media or text to arrange meet ups, check in with each other, provide support, and just have a chat 

Palentine’s date ideas 

Friendships are just as important as romantic relationships, so Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to celebrate you and your friends! Need ideas for a mate-date? 

Organise a picnic 

• Provided the weather is nice, the Meadows is the perfect place for a picnic with your friends 
• Make some food at home or visit one of the local food places 
• Relax in the Meadows with your friends and enjoy each other’s company! 

Visit a cafe or restaurant 

• If the weather isn’t so good, you could go on a coffee or dinner date with your friends 
• St James Quarter and Princes Street offer a great selection of cafes and restaurants, including Starbucks, Black Sheep Coffee, and Bonnie and Wild marketplace. 
• More independent cafes can be found on South Bridge, such as Black Medicine and Cafe 1505 
• Edinburgh Street Food beside the Omni Centre has a great selection of street food and drinks on offer 

Explore a museum 

• The National Museum of Scotland is a five-minute walk from Bristo Square and the main university campus on Chambers Street 
• It is open 10am-5pm and is also free entry! 
• Explore Scotland’s history, evolution, science and technology, world cultures, art, and fashion 

Nights out 

• If nightlife is your thing, there are plenty of pubs and clubs on offer for your night out 
• Some pubs have student nights with discounted drinks 
• Great student-friendly pubs in Edinburgh include Frankenstein, Three Sisters, The Pear Tree, Pilgrim, Dropkick Murphy’s, and Finnegan’s Wake 
• Popular clubs in Edinburgh include Subway, Hive, The Bongo Club, Why Not, and Shanghai 

Games and entertainment 

• Lane 7 in St James Quarter offers mini golf and bowling 
• Supercube on Cowgate and George Street offer karaoke 
• Cinemas can be found across the city, like the Vue in the Omni Centre and the Odeon in Tollcross 

Learn more about nightlife and entertainment in Edinburgh 

Showing yourself love 

University can take up a lot of time, and we forget to take care of ourselves. Here are some ways to make sure you don’t neglect your needs and show yourself some love! 

Hobbies 

• Taking time to enjoy your hobbies or pick up new ones is a great way to relax 
• There are art shops in Blackwells on South Bridge and in Tollcross, fitness shops such as Sports Direct and Run4It, and supermarkets for picking up cooking or baking ingredients and equipment 

Exercise 

• Exercising is good for our health, both mental and physical 
• Edinburgh offers plenty of walking or running routes and cycle-friendly roads – Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park are perfect 
• The Pleasance gym has a wide variety of fitness classes and equipment on offer with a membership 

Find out more about gym membership at the University 

Taking study breaks 

• Taking study breaks is essential for avoiding burn out and taking care of yourself 
• Go for a walk, have a snack or a coffee, have a nap, play a game, whatever you need to do to feel rested 

Friends and family 

• Make time to meet up with friends and family if they are around 
• Ideas can be found in the above two sections! 

Explore Edinburgh 

• Edinburgh city centre offers a wide range of day activities to enjoy 
• Go along to Edinburgh Zoo or the Botanic Gardens for some wildlife and science 
• Climb up Arthur’s Seat or take a walk around Holyrood Park – you could also have a look at Holyrood Palace and the Scottish parliament 
• Explore shops on Princes Street or the variety of charity shops 
• Edinburgh Castle is a must-see during your time in Edinburgh 

Read more student suggestions of things to do in Edinburgh 

Relationships at university / Student Stories by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0