Connecting with others and activities

Brown autumn leafs on a tree. On the image are the words Student Services.

This season provides a great opportunity spend time in the company of others, particularly those who have a shared interest. Longer days also provide an opportunity to focus on things we like to do as individuals, such as watching a film, catching up on a great book or learning something new. See our list of resources and activities below for some great ideas!

If you are finding it hard to meet new people, remember many other students will feel the same way. Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

  • Societies at London Met - The London Met Student Union provides advice and links to a range of societies.
  • Connecting with other students - Mind provides some useful tips and advice to help you connect with others.
  • 15 best friendship apps to make friends in 2024 - It can be tough to make friends. But don't worry, there are accessible apps you can use to make some great friendships.
  • UK Men's Shed - Men's Sheds encourage people to come together to make, repair and repurpose, supporting projects in their local communities. Improving wellbeing, reducing loneliness and combatting social isolation.

Sunflower in bloom

While films, television and music can provide great entertainment, there are many other things you could try. For example, why not get involved in community activities such as volunteering?

  • Volunteering advice from London Met - Email volunteering@londonmet.ac.uk for advice and guidance or check out voluntary roles on MyCareer. Making a positive impact in your community can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
  • Volunteer with FareShare - FareShare matches volunteers to roles that support the community.
  • VolunteerMatch - Find The Best Volunteer Opportunities Near London
  • Volunteer to help the NHS - NHS Volunteer Responders have a range of roles available, all of which help the local community. This could be collecting a prescription or shopping for food and essentials for those who are vulnerable in our community.
  • Islington Manor Gardens for health and wellbeing - Manor Gardens' Community Wellbeing Programme promotes good physical and mental health in North London. Weekly activities and events from Centre in North Islington, including coffee mornings, a food co-op, wellbeing activities, conversation cafe, art therapy, men's group, women's group and more. 

Or maybe explore your gardening skills?

  • RHS Inspiring everyone to grow - Top tips to get growing, features, inspiration and other useful growing resources.

Cooking can benefit the body and mind, and it is a great way to share time with others. Why not brush up on your cooking skills, or develop a new 'signature dish'?

Help to bring down the cost of food by setting up a food cooperative with your neighbours:

Food and community:

  • FoodCycle - FoodCycle connects communities, reducing loneliness and food poverty - working with thousands of volunteers and surplus food to help everyone who needs us. By creating welcoming spaces for people from all walks of life to meet, eat and have conversations, and by offering a weekly telephone Check-in and Chat, we are supporting people's health and mental wellbeing.

Image of a picnic hamper with food and drink on a blanket on the grass

It's always good to catch up on that book you have been meaning to read or watch that film that has been on your watch list all year.

  • The Time Out 100 best films of all time - You might agree (or you might not). However, it will certainly give you some ideas!
  • Teleparty - If you want to watch movies or TV boxsets with friends then why not download Teleparty, a Google Chrome extension (works with Netflix, Disney, Hulu and HBO streaming services).
  • Apple FaceTime SharePlay allows you to watch movies and shows and listen to music together during calls.

Looking for something different?

Create a soundtrack that helps lift your mood. 

  • Online music guide - A Money Saving Expert guide to online music resources - including information on free streaming platforms.
  • Spotify and YouTube also offer Student Plans for their paid services.  

Being active is an important part of maintaining health and wellbeing. The resources below provide advice, guidance and links to a range of resources that can help you to be active.  

Image of a park in the sunlight with green trees and an expanse of grass

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