Student Associations, the Mensa and Campus Social Life in Europe

Student unions and associations

Most European universities have a student union or student council that represents students, plus a wide range of student associations and faculty (departmental) societies. These run events, advocate for students and are often the easiest first point of contact when you arrive.

Joining a society tied to your subject, a hobby, sport or culture is one of the most reliable ways to meet people. Many have stalls during the first weeks of the semester — look for a freshers' or association fair on campus.

The mensa: the student canteen

The mensa is the university canteen, typically run by a public or non-profit student-services body (for example, a Studierendenwerk in Germany or CROUS in France). It serves hot meals at student-subsidised prices and is a natural daily meeting spot. Prices, menus and payment methods differ by country and university, so check your local student-services website.

• Meals are usually cheaper for enrolled students
• You often pay with a student card or campus card
• Vegetarian and other options are commonly available
• A casual place to meet classmates between lectures

Orientation and intro weeks

Before or at the start of the semester, many universities and student associations run an orientation or 'intro week' for new and international students. These mix practical sessions (enrolment, IT accounts, registration help) with social events.

Intro weeks are designed to help you settle in quickly and meet other newcomers who are in the same situation. Registering early is worthwhile because places and activities can fill up.

Clubs, fraternities and sports

Beyond academic societies, campuses often host sports clubs (university sport is usually low-cost), cultural and international-student groups, and in some countries traditional student fraternities or corporations.

Membership of any group is voluntary. Choose what fits you, and feel free to skip anything that does not — there are many ways to build a social circle, from sports teams to language tandems and volunteering.

Buddy and tandem programmes

Many universities run buddy or mentoring schemes that pair an incoming international student with a current student, and language 'tandem' programmes that match learners of different languages to practise together.

These are excellent for settling in, getting local tips and making early friends. Look for them on your international office's official pages and sign up during your first weeks.