When you first move to university, your flatmates will be some of the first people you meet. Finding fun activities to do together can be a great way to break the ice and start building lasting friendships. If you’re stuck on what to do, here are ten activities you can enjoy together as a flat.
Take a walk together
What better way to find your bearings and explore the university campus than with a walk? Take a look at the campus walking routes to find various paths around campus. Enjoy the University’s natural beauty whilst keeping an eye out for those Kent bunnies – they’re everywhere!
Play a game
Board games are a fun way to get to know each other, especially if you feel a bit nervous about starting conversations with new people. Playing together helps break the ice and gives you the chance to discover things about each other through a shared experience. You could set up a games night in your flat or join one of the many board game nights happening on campus during Welcome Week. Don’t worry if you didn’t pack any – you can pick some up from a board game shop in town or even find a bargain in a local charity shop!
Create decorations for communal spaces
Feeling crafty? Grab some art supplies and make decorations for your flat! It’s a fun way to get to know your flatmates and brighten up your new space. You can celebrate different seasons and holidays while making your flat feel more like home. Just take a look at the Accommodation Handbook first to make sure your decorations are allowed.
Get to know Kent Sport
Did you know that all students living on campus get a free Kent Sport Membership? Grab your flatmates and check out the gym, try a new sport, or join one of the many fitness classes on offer. Kent Sport has both in-person and virtual instructor-lead classes, which are a fun way to hang out with your flatmates, have a laugh, and get moving. From Yoga to Spin, there’s something for everyone – check out their class timetable to see what’s on!
Plan a picnic
Canterbury has lots of lovely gardens and parks to explore. On a nice day, pack a lunch or grab a meal deal from one of the campus food outlets, and head to a beautiful park. Why not sit by the river, relax, and soak up the sun at Westgate Gardens or Franciscan Gardens? If the weather isn’t great, you can have an indoor picnic instead – spread a blanket and cushions on the floor, prepare some finger foods and drinks, and play some background music.
Attend a ResLife event (or two)
There’s always lots happening on campus! Check the ResLife events calendar to see all the events, workshops, and excursions planned for students throughout the year. Events range from craft nights and movie nights to sports activities and day trips. Most events are free, though excursions have a £5 booking fee. Going to an event together is a fun way to bond with your flatmates. You’ll also get to meet your ResLife Ambassadors (RLAs) – fellow students who are here to help you settle in and organise fun events for your college.
Cook together
Sharing your favourite recipes from home is a great way to get to know your flatmates. Each week, you or a flatmate can choose a recipe for everyone to cook together. It’s a fun tradition to start weekly or monthly, helping your flat bond throughout the year. Cooking together is also a perfect way to relax, chat about your day, and maybe even pick up some new kitchen skills. For extra fun, why not host your own ‘Come Dine With Me’ style event!
Create a Canterbury bucket list
There’s so much to see and do in Canterbury and the surrounding area. Take some time with your flat to make a list of ten things you want to try together this year. Visit Canterbury has loads of ideas, from Oktoberfest and Christmas Markets to a trip to Canterbury Cathedral or a riverboat tour. Many places even offer student discount. And it doesn’t have to cost anything – you could walk the Crab and Winkle Way from Canterbury to Whitstable and enjoy a beautiful slice of East Kent countryside.
See a movie
Did you know Kent has its own on-campus cinema? The Gulbenkian Arts Centre shows everything from the latest blockbusters to classic throwbacks. On Tuesdays, students can get two tickets for the price of one, making it a fun and affordable night out with your flatmates. Plus, with a Gulbenkian student membership, you can save even more on film screenings, theatre shows, and food and drink in the café!
Start a study hour
Even if you’re on different courses, studying together with your flatmates can be both fun and productive. Set a time each week to hit the books or head to the library. It’s a great way to bond as a flat, get ready for your classes, and stay motivated. Studying together also helps you see things from different perspectives, think more critically, stay on track, and remember more through discussion.