How to Make Friends in College
Going to college for the first time is an incredibly exciting experience. You’ll take classes on subjects you love, have new experiences and make new friends. But let’s be real, it’s incredibly scary to take college-level classes, live in a new place and meet new people! Here are some tips to make your life easier in one area: how to make friends in college.
1) Start a conversation
This is probably the most generic answer ever—and the scariest, but in order to make friends, you have to talk to people! Chances are they are just as nervous about college as you are, so don't worry! You're on even ground.
As you meet people, whether that's at orientation, move-in day, or by attending campus events and activities, start by just being friendly and saying hello. Introduce yourself, ask about their major, and see if you share similar interests or something else in common. After talking with them, consider asking if they're going to be at another event. One way to keep the conversation going is by figuring out what event you want to meet up at next. Later, think about following them on social media or asking for their phone number, but as a start, a conversation goes a long way in making friends.
2) Connect with classmates
Some of your first friends your freshman year are made simply because of similar schedules, and that's because it can be easier to make friends when you share something in common, like a class or a major. Introduce yourself to the people around you. Also, this is a great way to find a study partner or someone you can share notes with if you ever miss a class.
Be willing to ask for help. Working in teams helps you build strong relationships with classmates and can show that you're reliable. Being a good classmate and trustworthy in class can make it easier for people to want to connect outside the classroom as well.
3) Build relationships in the residence halls
If you are living on campus, you can make friends with the other students on your floor in your residence hall. Each hall has events throughout the semester. They are great ways to meet your neighbors and get to know other students.
Through residential living, student organizations, athletics, student jobs and simply going to class, you will start to see many familiar faces. Friends are made simply through living and experiencing all that college has to offer. Be kind to your neighbors and RA, go to floor events, and start building a community right outside your dorm room!
4) Attend campus events
Another way to make friends is to attend campus events. Often, your school will put on all sorts of events for students to get involved, and this is a great way to find others who are interested in the same things as you.
Campus events are designed for students to get out of their room and meet new people, whether that's at a root beer float bar or a trivia night. So go to as many events as possible! They are always fun and a great way to get out of your comfort zone.
5) Get involved
One of the best ways to make friends is to be involved on campus. Try out being on an intramurals team, club, or even getting a job and expanding your network. This will help you meet new people and make connections. Being involved on campus is also a way to step into leadership opportunities, as you can help with planning and organizing events and maybe eventually run the club yourself!
Try out groups you're interested in. Many majors on campus have their own clubs and might look good on your resume, but there are also all sorts of clubs that are just fun to be a part of. For more about campus involvement, read our article "6 Reasons to Get Involved on Campus."
Remember,
Not everyone you meet in your first week will end up being a life-long friend, and that's totally ok! It's also completely normal to make new friends down the road as you discover your interests and specialize further in your college experience.
The important thing is to keep putting yourself out there and being a friendly face, even if it seems scary. Before you know it, you'll have built yourself your own community that makes college feel like a second home!
At Bluffton University…
Community extends far beyond the classroom. With more than 60 student organizations, 17 athletic teams, and dozens of ways to experience the arts and spiritual life, you will find your place and form life-long connections.