Making friends in college is an important aspect of your overall experience. Look for friends that will be “your people”, who will be your support system and have your back. Keep an open mind and be proactive when building these meaningful relationships during your college years.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Be Approachable: Smile, make eye contact, and be open to conversations. Approachability makes it easier for others to strike up a conversation with you.
- Attend Orientation Events: These are designed to help students get to know each other. Participate in ice-breakers, workshops, and tours to meet people in a relaxed setting.
- Join Clubs and Organizations: Find groups that have the same interests or passions. Whether it’s a sports team, a cultural club, or a hobby-based organization, this is a great way to meet like-minded individuals.
- Sit in Common Areas: Spend time in communal areas like the cafeteria, library, or student lounge. This increases the chances of spontaneous interactions with fellow students.
- Study Groups: Join or create study groups for your classes. This not only helps academically but also provides opportunities to bond over shared goals.
- Attend Social Events: Go to parties, game nights, movie screenings, and other events organized by your college. These occasions are designed for mingling and socializing.
- Be Genuine: Be yourself when meeting new people. Authenticity helps build more meaningful connections.
- Initiate Conversations: Don’t hesitate to start conversations with classmates. Ask about their majors, interests, or weekend plans to find common ground.
- Utilize Social Media: Join college groups or forums on platforms like Facebook to connect with other students before even arriving on campus.
- Volunteer: Participate in community service or volunteer projects. Working together for a cause can create strong bonds.
- Be Patient: Building friendships takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t form deep connections right away. Your friends Freshman year may not be the friends you stick with the rest of your college career.
- Be a Good Listener: Showing genuine interest in others’ stories and experiences can make you a more attractive friend.
Making friends in college can be an exciting adventure. Remember, everyone is in a similar boat during the college transition, so don’t be afraid to take the first step in making friends. It’s about being open, proactive, and putting yourself out there.
Ibrahim, M. (2021, September 24). Five tips for making friends in college: Hey bu. Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/making-friends-in-college/
Epps, T. (2021, February 26). How to make friends in college: BestColleges. BestColleges.com. https://www.bestcolleges.com/blog/how-to-make-friends-in-college/
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