Student life can be a bit strange at first: trying to get to know people well, working out how to cook, doing your washing, getting up for that 9am.
Though phones are a fantastic way of keeping in touch they are often used as an easy escape when socialising. Instead of being anti-social, here are five apps on your phone that will bring you and your new friends together, make you feel at home and, most importantly, have lots of fun.
It’s Saturday night and the local pub quiz just isn’t up to scratch. What do you do?!
You’ll get to know your flatmates’ specialist knowledge as you take turns in hosting or running rounds on your favourite topics on the popular app, Kahoot!
Ben from Birmingham City University is a big fan of this app: ‘Kahoot! is a lot of fun because it allows people to unleash their competitive streak in a quiz about more or less anything. What's more, there’s a time limit in which to answer the questions and you can even create your own quiz!’
Get the flat together, set the TV up and don’t forget the crisps, pork scratchings and a range of local drinks.
Interactive online games promising a bit of competition and lots of fun are exactly what Jackbox Games are all about.
Club together to buy a party pack, and use an Android device, video game console or TV to get the games on-screen for an all-in group games night. With a range of games to choose from, your flat will be talking and laughing together in no time!
Will, studying at Worcester University shares his thoughts on one of the games: ‘Quiplash will always be the go-to game. Not only is it a hilarious ice breaker, it’s class all year round, especially as you start developing inside jokes. But don’t be tricked into thinking it’s always the funniest who wins, literally anyone (and I mean anyone) has a shot. You’ve just got to think outside the box.’
Next up is Psych! Come up with witty but fake answers to questions, and see who can guess the real answer. Ask your whole flat to download the app and get ready to call one another’s bluff.
University of Birmingham student Lauren rates this app. ‘Psych! is a great app that immediately breaks the ice with new people. You’ll quickly learn lots about one another while having fun, learning trivia and laughing at each other.’
One of the best bits about living in halls is the weird and wonderful memories you will make.
1 Second Everyday: Video Diary is a brilliant app that helps you record these moments each day, and an activity you can do together as a flat. Time flies – but this app will help you to re-live your first year of uni at the end of term and beyond.
‘The 1 Second Everyday app is a great way to bond with flatmates and have a laugh trying to do something entertaining to make the video interesting,’ says Ellie from Warwick University. ‘The video is a great memory to look back on and where you can watch how your friendships developed.’
Already a keen jogger or want to challenge yourself from couch to 5k?.
Strava is what you need. Whether you’re into running, cycling or walking, organise a flat group and set fun monthly challenges to race and compete against each other (vital alongside the strong number of takeaways you’ll likely to consume in first term!)
Isaac has used the app with his water polo team at the University of Birmingham. 'Strava is essentially the social media app for sport and fitness. It helped me to keep active this year whilst developing new friendships! It allows you to record activities together; keep track of each other’s progress and sparks a little bit of healthy competition.'
As you love your new mates, you might be surprised how God can use a rowdy games night or a run around campus to open conversations. With time, you’ll get to know them, be able to share your story, and speak into theirs.
Why not pray that God would use these apps to do just that?
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