Introvert? New in the UK? No problem – here’s how students build real connections. Starting university can be scary. New people. New place. New rules. If you’re shy, or hate small talk, it can feel even harder.

But don’t worry. You can still network as a university student. And no, it doesn’t mean you need to become a chatterbox.

Let’s take it step by step.

What Does It Mean to Network?

Although networking may seem challenging, it’s really just about talking to others. To network as a university student means making useful connections. These could be with classmates, teachers, older students, or people outside the university. You don’t need to have fancy conversations.

Why does it feel awkward to talk?

You know how awkward networking can be? Most especially as a student, when you’re still developing your identity and career goals. The truth is, networking doesn’t have to be intimidating or awkward.

Building relationships is more important than being perfect or knowing all the answers. It’s possible to go from feeling very uncomfortable at professional gatherings to actually enjoying them with the help of a little advice.

Why Is Networking Important?

When you network as a university student, you open doors.

You can:

• Find job opportunities
• Learn from people ahead of you
• Get help with your studies
• Find internships or part-time work
• Make friends who support you

Networking can make university life easier and your future brighter. Many students think networking is only for outgoing people. That’s not true. You can network as a university student even if you’re quiet. You just need the right tools.

Let’s look at some easy ways.

1. Start Small

You don’t have to talk to everyone. Start with one person. Sit next to someone in your lecture. Say hello. Ask about the class. You don’t have to go directly into large conferences—smaller settings are more manageable and ideal for practice.

Simple lines like:

• “Did you understand that part?”
• “Are you doing this course too?”
• “Do you know when the next assignment is due?”

This is networking. It’s small but powerful.

2. Join Study Groups

Many classes have WhatsApp or group chats. Ask around. Join them. This is a great way to network as a university student without face-to-face talk. You can ask questions, help others, and slowly get to know people.

Study groups help you learn better, make friends, and share useful info. You don’t have to talk a lot. Just be helpful.

3. Use Social Media

Instagram, LinkedIn, and even TikTok can help. Follow your uni’s pages. Follow people in your course. If someone posts about an event, go to it. If someone shares something interesting, comment on it.

LinkedIn is especially good for networking as a university student. Start by adding your classmates, writing a short bio, sharing what you’re studying, and liking and commenting on posts. You don’t have to post daily. Just be present.

4. Start on LinkedIn.

Start online if networking in person seems daunting at first! LinkedIn is an excellent resource for making professional connections; you can send customized connection requests and even leave comments on posts to keep people’s attention.

Starting to follow businesses that interest you is also an excellent idea. Many will share information about industry developments, company advancements, and even openings for internships and jobs. One excellent method for gathering information and perspective for upcoming interviews is to follow businesses that you would like to work with. The secret is consistency!

5. Attend Events – Even Just to Watch

Most universities have many events. These can be job fairs, guest speaker talks, club meetings, student meetups, or anything. You don’t have to talk much. Just go. Listen. Take notes. If you feel brave, ask a question. Or say hi to someone after. Even just showing up helps you network as a university student.

And after a while, when you start feeling comfortable, you can go with a proper plan, as it will really help you build those connections. Before the job fair, a list of participating companies is generally posted online. To make the most of your time, do your part to investigate a few businesses and create a list of at least 5 to 7 companies that you would most like to discuss.

6. Speak to Your Lecturers

Yes, they’re busy. But they care. If you have a question, ask them after class or during office hours. You can start by saying:

• “Can I ask for some advice?”
• “Do you know any good resources?”
• “I’m new and not sure how to find help.”

This starts a connection. Lecturers know people in the industry. They can guide you or even recommend things.

7. Take Care of Yourself

It’s okay to take breaks. Networking can feel tiring. If you need alone time, take it. Even if you talk to one new person a week, that’s progress. You don’t need to be everywhere every time. Just be kind to yourself. Taking care of yourself has a major impact on your professional life, and networking.

If you’re feeling lost or unsure where to start, Enrollmate can help. We support students in finding the right university, adjusting to life in the UK, and building strong networks. Whether you need help with settling in, meeting new people, or finding useful events, Enrollmate makes it easier to network as a university student.

What if it still feels awkward?

It’s normal to feel weird at first. Most students feel that way. People understand. Many feel the same. Being honest is better than staying silent. You don’t need to impress. You don’t need big words. Just be friendly, helpful, and curious. That’s the best way to network as a university student.

Networking isn’t about being the loudest in the room. It’s about showing up. Listening. Helping. Asking. That’s how you build strong connections.

Last Word

To network as a university student, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start. You might be shy. You might be new. You might hate small talk. But step by step, you can do it.

Real connections don’t come from fake smiles. They come from real effort. So take a deep breath. Say hello. Join one group. Send one message. That’s how it begins.

And that’s how you network as a university student – even if you hate small talk. Visit www.enrollmate.co.uk and take the first step towards your future.