Starting college is an exciting new chapter, but it’s completely normal to feel nervous about making friends and settling in. At CSM, you’ll be part of a welcoming, diverse community where people from different backgrounds come together, share experiences and build friendships.
Whether you’re coming from the Black Country, Birmingham or further afield, there are plenty of ways to find your place. From trying new activities to meeting people who share your interests, you’ll have lots of opportunities to get involved and make the most of college life.
Get involved and meet new people
Clubs and societies
Trying something new is a great way to meet people. With opportunities to get involved in sports, creative activities, cultural groups and more, you can explore your interests, discover new passions and connect with people who enjoy the same things as you.
Make friends on your course
You’ll spend plenty of time with your classmates, whether you’re working on projects, sharing ideas in lessons or preparing for exams. These everyday moments are a great way to get to know people and build friendships along the way.
Freshers’ Week
Freshers’ Week is your chance to get to know the college, meet other students and start feeling at home. With welcome activities and opportunities to get involved, it’s a great way to kick off your college experience and make those first connections.
Students’ Union
There’s more to college than lessons. The Students’ Union helps make student life what it is, giving you opportunities to have your say, take part in events and get involved in activities throughout the year. It’s also a great way to meet new people, develop your skills and make a difference to college life.
Everyone starts somewhere
Remember, you won’t be the only one starting college and wondering what to expect. Everyone is finding their feet, and friendships often grow from the simplest things – sitting next to someone in class, joining an activity or starting a conversation.
Hear from our current students as they share what it was like to start somewhere new, how they settled in and the friendships they’ve made along the way. Find out what helped them feel at home and what advice they’d give to someone starting their own college journey.
Your college experience is yours to shape, and you don’t have to do it alone. At CSM, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, meet new people and find where you belong.












