14 best apps to find friends when you’re a student at university

Going to university can be stressful, especially if it involves moving to a new city. You might be worried about finding friends at university, especially if you don’t find yourself clicking with the people you live with or are on your course. Or maybe you’re an introvert and don’t really find it easy getting to know people through parties and student events. So using apps to make friends with other students or people who live in your uni city can be the best place to start. We’ve narrowed down the best apps to find friends while you’re at university to help you out. 

1. Meetup

Meetup is a platform where you can meet people who share the same interests as you, in your city. There is a wide range of events on offer no matter where you are, from board game nights to open mic nights to various sports, and more. And, if you can’t find a group or activity for you, you can simply start your own! A great way to build lasting friendships, healthy habits, a network for career opportunities and to prioritise your passions. 

2. BumbleBFF

It’s like the dating app but without the dating. BumbleBFF prides itself on being able to find you friends for any occasion. Potential matches, like the dating app, are based on your activities and interests, so answer honestly in order to get the full experience from the app. But, a single swipe could introduce you to people from across your university community that you may not have met in your classes per se and lead to some incredible friendships. 

3. Slowly

This one’s a little bit different to the others, but it’s still one of the best apps to find friends at university. Slowly essentially allows you to meet pen pals, but from your phone. You can match with people across the world, writing “letters” from your phone that take as long to get to your pen pal as writing a physical letter would. So, while you’re not (necessarily) meeting people in your university town, you can make friends from all across the world. How fun is that?

4. Eventbrite

Like Meetup, Eventbrite is an app that offers tickets to events in your city. Whether you’re looking to meet new people or go to events with your new friends that you’ve made on other apps potentially, then Eventbrite has what you’re looking for. Whether this is concerts, mindfulness and yoga classes or video game competitions, among many others, there are plenty of events going on where you can meet new people.

5. Unifi

Unifi is the ultimate university social app. It has chats for your university course, hall and freshers chats, as well as chats based on hobbies and interests. It also has the Unifi card, which gives you many benefits that any student would love. This ranges from free club entry to half-price drinks, queue jumps, free shots, and more. Not only can you meet new friends, but you can also get benefits if you decide to go out together. 

6. Hey! VINA

Hey! VINA is like a lot of the other options on this list, except it is tailored exclusively for women, describing themselves as “Tinder for (girl)friends!”. The app was created by women, and for women. It brings together women based on lifestyles and passions and provides articles and other pieces of advice on how to be the best version of yourself as an independent woman.

7. Bark Happy

This is the one for dog lovers. Bark Happy is the best place to meet new friends and dogs. The app helps to connect you with fellow dog owners nearby to arrange hangouts. That way, both you and your dog can make some new friends while at university. The app also lists many dog-friendly businesses in your area and dog-friendly events for you and your pooch. 

8. Tinder Uni

Tinder Uni is a version of the popular dating app tailored specifically for university students. It’s more like an add-on feature, where you can search for students to connect with peers on their campus or at nearby schools. With a simple swipe mechanism, it’s not just for dating; many use it to find friends, study buddies, or explore university social scenes. Tinder Uni adds a layer of fun and ease to meeting new people at university, making it a popular choice for students looking to expand their social circle in a familiar, easy-to-use format.

9. Peanut

Originally designed for mothers, Peanut has gained popularity among women in university, offering a platform to connect with like-minded females. It’s particularly appealing for students seeking support, advice, or friendship during their university journey. The app facilitates connections based on shared interests and life stages, making it easier for female students to find and build meaningful relationships. Peanut provides a safe, nurturing space for women to engage, share experiences, and form supportive networks, enriching their university experience.

10. Skout

Skout is a global platform for meeting new people and expanding social networks, ideal for university students looking to broaden their horizons. The app allows users to connect with others nearby or around the world, offering a diverse range of interactions. It’s particularly appealing for students interested in cultural exchange or making international friends. With features like live broadcasting and various community events, Skout provides a dynamic and engaging way for students to meet new people and experience different cultures. However, don’t be fooled. Skout is definitely about more than friendships. It’s a lot about dating too – like most of the other apps.

11. Yubo

Designed with a focus on live streaming and real-time interactions, Yubo offers a unique way for young people, especially Gen Z, to connect globally. Its user-friendly interface allows students to create profiles showcasing their interests and personalities, leading to more meaningful connections. The live video streams and chat rooms are ideal for students to interact with others who share similar hobbies or academic interests.  There’s also strong guidelines and moderation tools if you’re on the cautious side of using apps to meet people.

12. UNiDAYS

While this isn’t an app to find friends, it’s one of the best to use with your new friends. UNiDAYS is one of the best student apps out there. It offers many discounts exclusively for students. This ranges from food and drink to fashion, technology and more. That means that when you make friends on some of the other apps on this list, you have a plethora of discounts to be able to use when you hang out. And, if there’s anything we students love, it’s discounts. 

13. Picolo

Similarly, Picolo isn’t an app to find friends, but rather one to use to make stronger friendships. It’s a drinking game that provides players with a prompt, a short statement, in which the losers must drink. You don’t have to be drinking alcohol, but the game is designed for players drinking alcohol. It’s a great way to learn about your new friends (maybe a little too much) and to make some memories with them. 

14. Friender

Friender is another app that matches you with people based on your favourite activities and interests. You can avoid the boring surface-level conversations and only focus on conversations that you care about, meeting people with the same interests and forming friendships with them.  These 14 apps are some of the best apps to find friends at university. There are lots of ways to make friends in person too, with student societies being one of the easiest ways. Here’s our tips on how to join a student society to get you started. We’ve also got a handy guide for introverts starting uni, helping you survive fresher’s week. Finding new friends can be the best way to immerse yourself in your new uni life. If you’re struggling with an old relationship break up, read how to get through exams and studying during heartache.