From Strangers to Friends: Game Night Ideas for New Uni Students

Add

Freshers’ Week can feel like speed dating for friendships — you meet so many people, but only a few moments turn into meaningful connections. What if you could skip the awkward intros and jump straight into laughter, fun, and shared memories?

Enter: Game Night.

Whether you're hosting in your flat, joining a common room hangout, or just chilling with new classmates, a game night is one of the fastest, easiest, and most natural ways to go from strangers to friends. No forced small talk, just good vibes, loud laughs, and moments you’ll remember.

Here’s how to host the kind of game night that turns “I just met them” into “these are my people.”

🎯 Why Game Nights Work So Well in Uni

In a new environment full of unfamiliar faces, people are looking for something that feels familiar and low-pressure. Game nights provide structure — but with enough silliness to let everyone’s personality shine.

Game nights:

• Remove the pressure of constant talking

• Create shared inside jokes quickly

• Give everyone a role or something to focus on

• Work even with people who don’t know each other well (yet)

Plus, they’re easy to set up, budget-friendly, and work just as well with 3 people as they do with 13.

🃏 Top Game Ideas to Break the Ice

Here are some of the best types of games to start with — no gaming experience or complicated rules required.

1. Icebreaker Card Games

These games are built for exactly this moment. They often include:

• Hilarious dares

• Wild “would you rather” questions

• Personal prompts that spark stories or confessions

Ideal for:

Small to medium groups (4–10 people), people you’ve just met, or mixed friendship circles

Tip: Look for games that don’t require scoring and let people pass on questions — it keeps things relaxed and fun.

2. Group Drawing or Word Games

Think Pictionary, Telestrations, or app-based games like Drawful. You don’t need to be an artist — in fact, the worse the drawing, the better the laughs.

These games turn simple prompts into hilarious chaos.

They’re great for:

• Large groups

• Mixed skill levels

• Breaking the ice fast

3. Storytelling & Bluffing Games

These games ask you to tell a story, come up with fake answers, or act like something is true when it’s not. Think Two Truths and a Lie, Mafia, or Spyfall.

They spark laughter, reveal unexpected things about people, and usually uncover who’s the best liar in the group (funny… and slightly scary).

4. Fast-Paced “Get to Know You” Games

Try games where players have to shout answers quickly, match with others, or race to complete tasks. Even something simple like a “Name 3…” challenge can become electric with the right group.

Perfect for high-energy nights or if you’ve already had a few laughs together.

5. DIY & Make-Your-Own

You don’t need to buy anything! Try:

• A homemade “truth or dare” jar

• A flat quiz night with questions about each other

• A challenge-based night (e.g. whisper challenges, memory games, or charades)

  
  

🍕 Game Night Hosting Tips (That Don’t Involve Stress)

Want to host a great night without losing your chill? Here’s how:

✅ 1. Keep it Casual

No need for a full-on party. A few cushions, snacks, and a good playlist go a long way.

✅ 2. Mix People Up

Encourage people to switch teams or rotate groups so everyone talks to someone new.

✅ 3. Offer Snacks and Sips

Popcorn, crisps, soft drinks (or mocktails/cocktails if you’re of age) — food always makes things better.

✅ 4. Know When to Switch It Up

If a game’s not hitting the right vibe, move on. The goal is fun, not structure.

✅ 5. Leave People Wanting More

Don’t drag it out. A two-hour hangout that ends on a high is better than a long night that fizzles.

🫶 What Really Happens When You Play Games With New People

You’ll be surprised how quickly things change.

• That person you barely spoke to in the corridor? Suddenly your charades teammate.

• That quiet flatmate? Turns out they have the funniest one-liners during dares.

• You? Feeling way more at home, way faster.

Game nights remove the social mask. They create a space where people can relax, be themselves, and have fun without judgment.

By the end of the night, you’re not just “students in the same building” — you’re a little community.

🎉 Final Thoughts

You don’t need to be the most outgoing or confident person to make new friends at uni. You just need a deck of cards, a few snacks, and an open mind.

Game nights are more than just something to do — they’re a fast track to belonging. Whether you’re nervous about fitting in or just want to make your flat feel more like a home, this is your moment.

So gather a few people, set the vibe, and let the games begin.

From strangers to flatmates to real friends — it all starts with a good laugh.

All Products