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Networking and relationships

How to create a good network during your studies

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Good relationships and a network are prerequisites for thriving as a student. Therefore, it is important to focus on this in the early days of your studies – and your network may prove to be invaluable in the future.

Table of contents

Focus on relationship building at the start of your studies
How to get started with relationship building
Prepare for new meetings

Focus on relationship building at the start of your studies

When you start a new study, you may not know anyone in advance. In that situation, it can be quite overwhelming to step into your dream education, where everyone around you is a stranger. Here it is important to remember that most others are in the same situation as you. And it is an advantage when forming relationships that you are not alone in being alone.

We can see that it is at the beginning of the study that you form your network, and there are really good opportunities for it there, because everyone is at the same level and wants to meet new people.

Emilie Lindqvist, Career Advisor at IDA.

She points out that it does not necessarily have to be established friendships that should be the success criterion. Less can also do it. Just having someone you get along with and want to talk to can be a driving force to get out of bed on days when everything might be a bit difficult.

When you have someone to say good morning to and talk with during breaks, it is much easier to get going. The social and academic aspects can sometimes blend a bit more if you study with someone you have a good relationship with.

Emilie Lindqvist, Karriererådgiver i IDA.

The circle of relationships – this is why good relationships in your studies are important

Fact box

How to get started with relationship building

1. Participate actively in classes

Be open and engage in discussions, group work, and project assignments. This shows your fellow students that you are committed, and it is a quality they want to be around. It also creates good conditions for forming a more solid academic relationship that can develop into study groups, etc.

2. Start small

Remember, networking is not about knowing everyone – it is about creating meaningful connections. Start with one person at a time. It could be the person next to you in a lecture, a study group, or someone you meet at a social activity.

3. Be curious

Ask about others – most people love to talk about themselves! Ask: “What made you choose this study?” or “How did the last assignment go?” This shows interest and opens the door to a conversation that can lead to a relationship.

4. Say yes to opportunities

Attend events, Friday bars, study cafés, and introductory activities. This is where you meet people in a relaxed setting. You do not have to stay all evening – just showing up demonstrates that you are open.

5. Be yourself

It sounds like a cliché, but authenticity is key. You do not have to be the funniest or most outgoing person in the room.

6. Cultivate common interests

Join student organisations, associations, or groups that match your interests. It is much easier to build relationships when you have a shared passion.

7. Be patient

A strong network takes time to build. It is perfectly okay if you do not feel you have “found your group” right away. Not to speak ill of people, but there are just students you work better with than others, and you do not find that out immediately. Over time, it is also perfectly legitimate to select in your network. For example, you can filter who you get along with outside of studies and who you work well with in a study group.

8. Volunteer

If you engage in volunteer work, such as being a tutor, helping at events, or in study groups, you can make many contacts and at the same time show that you are committed and proactive.

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Prepare for new meetings

It may sound a bit overthought to prepare for meeting your new fellow students. And it is not certain that you need it. But since you have found this article and read all the way here, it may be because it is a bit difficult for you.

We are all different. Some are extroverted, and here the questions and conversations may flow more easily than if you are more introverted. Here, according to the advisor, it can be a good idea to prepare some questions that you can bring with you to the first meetings.

If you find it difficult to be open and just go and talk to others, it can be a really good idea to take a more structured approach. Have some questions in your back pocket that can remind you and give you the support to socialise with your fellow students. Specifically, it can be a good idea to write them down and keep them with you, so you know they are there.

Emilie Lindqvist, Career Advisor at IDA.

The questions could potentially be about where the person lives or how they ended up in the study. Simple questions that can be an entry point to a longer conversation. Here you might find common interests. Maybe you actually live in the same dormitory, or maybe you are both really into yoga. These are small things that can lead to something more, but it requires that you find the courage to go and talk to people.

If you want to expand your network and create more study relationships that can prove valuable now and in the future, take advantage of your opportunities as a student member below.

IDA Networks

Join an IDA network and get access to professional and social events across the country. There are more than 70 networks to chose from. Joining is free and most events are free or cost-friendly for our student members.

Find your network

IDA STEM Students

IDA STEM Students is a student political organisation that fights to create the best conditions for you and your fellow students. As a volunteer in the association, you exponentially expand your professional network.

Volunteer

Strong relationships create good results

Improve your relational skills with this course. Gain insight into emotional intelligence, effective communication, and conflict management. Danish courses are always with subtitles.

Free study courses

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Build your network for the future

With a healthy network, all studies say that you have a much greater chance of landing a job after your education. Use our many events to network.

Events Personal Career Advice