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
Some of the best ways to meet other students with similar interests to you is by 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 and the University can provide financial help with this if you need it.
Find a society
Find out what societies there are to join and how to get involved! 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.
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 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. 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).
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 video 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.
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 offer-holders.
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:
- Video: How to get involved with your Students' Association
- A short video recording to find out about your Students' Association and what is on offer to you as a new student.
- Video: How to get involved with societies
- Watch this short video to find out about student societies, how to join them and how to get involved!
- Video: How to stay active
- Getting active is a great way to support your physical and mental wellbeing whilst at university, and is also just great fun! Watch this short video to find out about the many ways you can stay active alongside your studies.