Library speed friending - a gentle way to meet new people and make friends in a quiet, safe environment
New to campus? Looking for meaningful connections in a calm, welcoming space?
Meet new people at a quiet and gentle social event designed to help you get chatting, get to know new people, and settle into uni life at this relaxed, library-themed social gathering. This event is especially for international students and those new to campus who want to meet potential new friends.
How will it work?
You'll get to pick from a selection of the acclaimed illustrated Outside In World global children's books as a talking point and chat to someone else about what attracted you to that book - was it a story you knew and loved from your childhood, did something about the cover art or story grab you, or was it just a random pick?
You'll then be given a list of fun, quirky questions to ask one another about all kinds of things to help break the ice in a gentle, structured way that avoids awkward silences and helps you get to know one another more quickly and easily. Once you have chatted with one person, you get to move on and chat to someone new, meeting a potential new friend each and every time.
Need to take a rest and just sit quietly or watch the others? That's fine too. The Library relaxation corner is right beside where we'll be chatting in case you need a few minutes to yourself.
Why come along?
- Meet other students looking to make new friends
- Low-pressure, one-on-one conversations
- Conversation prompts to make connecting easier
- No loud music, no overwhelming crowds — just calm, genuine connection
Designed for those who prefer gentle, pressure-free conversation over loud music and busy crowds - you’re sure to find friendly faces and kind conversations here.
Two opportunities to meet new friends
You are welcome to come to one or both. No booking necessary, but if you could book a free place via Eventbrite so we have some idea of how many of you to expect, that would be great :)
Orientation Week speed friending
Join us from 1 pm on Monday 15 September for our first speed friending event. Meet other international students arriving from around the world, anxious and neurodivergent students arriving on campus early to spend more time settling in, and anyone else who has joined us early and make new friends.
Induction Week speed friending
Join us for our second speed friending event from 1 pm on Tuesday 23 September. Stop by for the first time or come along again and see who else you meet!
Not only but also...
Blind date with a book
Go on a blind date with a book! Pick up a specially wrapped mystery book, either fiction or hand-picked non-fiction, chosen with love by our friendly library team, borrow it using the self-service kiosks and take it away to discover a new read you might never otherwise have picked. Let us know how you found your date - was it something you'd come back to or a dead flop? Either way, we feel sure you'll find it interesting!
Mindful crafternoon
Drop in, sit down and relax at our crafternoon event from 1-3 pm on Friday 26 September in the Library Atrium. Get creative and make your very own affirmation cards to keep or give away. We'll supply some creative inspiration, all the craft materials, you just need to bring yourself.
Coming up in October
Black History Month documentary screening
Settle in for an independent documentary inspired by Black History Month. Follow the link to Eventbrite and vote for the documentary you would most like to see!
Black History Month crafternoon
Get creative and make your very own affirmation cards to keep or give away. We'll supply some creative inspiration, all the craft materials, and some affirmations inspired by the 2025 UK Black History Month theme: standing firm in pride and power.
