Your guide to queer uni life.

Starting university is a huge moment, filled with excitement, nerves, and tons of new experiences. For LGBTQ+ students, this transition might feel a bit more complex. You’re not just figuring out where your classes are or how to make friends; you’re also hoping to find a community where you can feel safe, accepted, and be your best self.

I remember my first few weeks after fresher’s week and I can’t say it was a fun experience. As the chaos and coughing students around me finally started settling down, I was faced with complete and utter dread. While my friends back home excitedly told me about their new friends, I felt a sense of disconnect from the people around me. As a bisexual, genderqueer person, I barely met anyone who I could relate to and being an international student who was still getting used to the accent and culture shocks around me did not help one bit.

So if that’s where you’re at, you’re not alone. Here is a personal guide to finding your place as an LGBTQ+ fresher at university, from someone who has been an LGBTQ+ fresher at university.

 

1. Join your university's LGBT+ society.

This one might be a bit biased coming from the chair of the society, but one of the best first steps is to check out the Students' Union LGBT+ society. The society holds regular events that range from support groups to fun sober and non-sober socials. With dedicated spaces for people of colour, and trans and gender non-conforming students, there is a place for everyone. Here, you can not only find like-minded people, but also get more actively involved and contribute back to the community.

I know it can be intimidating to walk into a room full of strangers, but everyone there is probably just as eager to meet new people. I have met some of my best friends by pushing myself to go to these events and looking back, it was the best decision I made in first year among my plethora of bad ones!

The committee are also lovely and always willing to have a chat if you need advice or just want someone to listen to!

2. Look outside the University for community.

While the LGBT+ society is a great place to start, don’t forget that there’s a wider queer community in Bath, especially with Bath Spa just around the corner. Local LGBTQ+ centred events like WIG! - Bath’s largest drag night - are organised quite regularly in the city. If you are looking for something a bit more relaxed, Daisy and Bean - a local queer-owned café - have recently started to organise bar nights on Fridays and Saturdays.

It's also good remind yourself that while some events aren’t necessarily advertised as LGBTQ+ centred, they still boast a large population of queer identifying students in attendance. A good example of this is Discord, which is the monthly alternative music club night held in the Common Room bar.

These spaces can offer a refreshing change of pace and can help you connect with people from different backgrounds and experiences. It can be empowering to know that your community extends beyond the university, especially if you’re looking for something beyond student life.

 

3. Find allies everywhere.

Not every friend you make at university needs to be part of the LGBTQ+ community; some of your best connections might come from the most unexpected places. Many people you meet will be great allies, and might even become lifelong friends who stand by your side!

It’s easy to feel like you need to find "your people" immediately, but give it time. The key is to look for people who respect and celebrate your identity, whether they’re part of the LGBTQ+ community or not. Sometimes it’s these friendships that end up being the most special.

 

4. Reach out for support when you need it. 

University can be overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with issues like coming out, homesickness, or feeling isolated. I know it can be hard to ask for help, but it’s so important to have people to talk to when things get tough.

Our university offers a range of free therapeutic services, which you can contact the Roper Centre to learn more. Other wellbeing activities like dog walking, gardening and craft workshops are also made available to students and can be booked free of charge.

Apart from that, Nightline, the student volunteer listening service is open every night and always willing to lend you an ear; you can find their number on your library card. Other groups like Student Minds are also dedicated to enhancing student wellbeing and host regular events which promote mindfulness through yoga, colouring, etc.

 

5. Give yourself time. 

Finding your community won’t happen overnight, and that’s completely okay. You’ve been very brave, and we are all very proud of you, but remember that it’s okay to take a break. Uni is about discovery, not just in terms of your studies, but also in figuring out who you are and where you fit in and, coming from experience, the entire process is very overwhelming and taxing. So take some pressure off yourself! You might not find your best friends in the first week, month, or even semester, but trust that they’re out there.

Be patient with yourself as you navigate this new chapter and give yourself the space to grow. Whether you’re attending events, joining societies, or just chatting with new friends in the common room, every step is progress. You’ve got time.

As I prepare to conclude this article, I would like to acknowledge that starting university as an LGBTQ+ fresher is as scary. While movies and TV shows have always made it to seem like you’ll burst out of the closet and fly away in a riot of colours and self-aware confidence as soon as you come here, the reality is quite the opposite. But as scary as it is, it is also beautiful and exciting!

Uni presents you with an opportunity to finally connect with people who understand you and share your experiences. Whether you dive straight into LGBTQ+ societies, explore local communities, or take advantage of university support, there’s a place for you. Your community is waiting for you, and they’ll be there with open arms whenever you’re ready. Welcome to the start of something amazing and I wish you good luck!