Making friends, specifically when you’re moving into a new stage of life, can be particularly scary... So to quell some of your worries, I’ve put together some of my experiences with making friends to show you that it’s definitely doable!
Follow your passion, share your interest, broaden your horizons, discover something new, develop your skills and make life-long friends at Christ Church through a range of opportunities both on campus and online.
Making friends at Christ Church
We know that starting university can feel daunting, especially when it comes to meeting new people and making friends. Here are some ways to get started:
- Join the closed 'CCCU Students 22/23' Facebook Group: meet other students, share top tips, gain helpful information and find out about life at Christ Church.
- Connect with a student peer mentor: what better way to learn about university life than to ask a peer mentor, a current student who can give you the benefit of their first-hand experience and help welcome you into our Christ Church community.
- Take part in the Welcome and Freshers' Events: this is a great way to find out what's happening at Christ Church and to meet other students.
- Connect with other students on your course: this could be through social media group chats before starting university, or in one of your first induction sessions.
- Get involved in some of the many opportunities highlighted below...
Postgraduate student? Make sure you check out the Postgraduate pages for more information on connecting with the Graduate College and joining the Postgraduate community before you arrive.
Studying at Medway Campus? Christ Church Students' Union is here for all students at Christ Church, no matter what campus you're on. Plus, they work closely with the other SUs at the Medway Campus, so you can make the most of the partnership through a range of events and opportunities - including a full range of activities during Welcome Week.
Get involved
Christ Church Students’ Union
As a Christ Church student, you automatically become a member of the Students’ Union and the Union is keen to support and represent you. Their Union council includes black and minority ethnic, disabled, international, LGBT, transgender, mature, women, postgraduate and placement officers to ensure a diverse student voice is heard and everyone has their say.
Why not get involved in a society or sports club while at university? Explore a variety of societies- from gaming, show choir and film to academic societies such as nursing and history- as well as over 30 different sports clubs! Joining a club or society is a great way to make friends, try something new and gain wider experience.
You can also enjoy the wide range of events Christ Church SU host throughout the year, both virtual and physical, including their Freshers’ Week activities.
Careers and Enterprise
The Careers and Enterprise team can support you in:
- Finding part-time work or work experience through Unitemps - one of the most popular and flexible part-time opportunities is becoming a Student Ambassador
- Planning for your future career and building the skills you may require through the Careers and Enterprise Online Hub
- Connect with others and making a difference through volunteering
Christ Church Sport and Active Health
Christ Church Sport and Active Health offer all students an extensive range of sport and fitness opportunities at affordable prices. Whether it’s starting a fitness class, going to the gym or trying a new activity, there’s something for everyone both in person and online.
Sustainability
At Christ Church, we’re passionate about sustainability, and there are lots of ways you can get involved in supporting the University and the Students’ Union to be a better, more energy-efficient, environmentally conscious and sustainable place to study. Whether you join the Eco Student Society or become a member of the Student Green Office, there are plenty of ways to play your part.
Expect Respect
At CCCU we expect respect. Canterbury Christ Church University and the Students’ Union believe all staff and students have the right to live, study and work in a safe and supportive environment, free from discrimination, bullying or harassment of any form.
The CCCU Expect Respect Pledge
- To give respect to all;
- To take responsibility for helping to create an inclusive and welcoming University;
- To take positive action to prevent discrimination by not tolerating, condoning or ignoring harassment of any kind;
- To educate myself and others about harassment - what it is, how it makes people feel and challenging harassment when possible.
Information for new students
Related links
Contact the i-zone
Hear from different students about why it is special to be part of a Students' Union Society.
Find out how you can get involved with your Christ Church Students' Union on Medway Campus.
At Christ Church we are proud of our friendly, diverse and inclusive community. Explore some student stories and learn more!