Worried about not making friends or fitting in at college? Here are tips to help you overcome the challenge of making friends in college.
Social isolation is a common fear among those preparing for or just beginning their college journey.
When you start college, you’ll find yourself in a new environment without the familiar routines and social circles you’re used to. This can feel like starting your social life from scratch, which can be daunting.
However, with the right mindset and approach, you can successfully build new friendships and create a fulfilling social life on campus. In this post, I’m giving you my best strategies to beat the fear of not making friends in college.
This post is all about how to make friends in college.
Remember, You Are Not Alone
First, remember that you are not alone. Most first-year students are in the same boat. Everyone is looking to make connections and form friendships. Being in this new and unique environment can become a shared experience that makes a great conversation starter. Start conversations and bond over your common experiences with simple questions such as “How are you liking campus so far?” or “Why did you choose this school/program?” From there, you can discuss the dorms you are in, classes you are taking, dining halls you’ve tried so far, or any clubs you are interested in. Sharing your feelings about being new on campus can help you relate to others and make friends.
Actively Seek Community
Next, actively seek community. While your initial conversations can lead to connections over majors, hobbies, and hometowns, you should also seek to form connections with people who align with your values, goals, and experiences. A strong community of people who understand you and can support you during your academic journey can be critical to your emotional well-being and your academic success in college. Consider joining an identity-based group such as the Asian Student Alliance, an interest or activity-based group such as a sports team or service sorority, or an environment-based group such as your residence hall community. Seeking out and building community with others can help you find a sense of belonging amongst friends.
Attend Campus Events
Let’s face it, there is no shortage of activities happening on a college campus, especially at the start of the academic year. These campus events are meant to provide fun opportunities to engage with other students, learn about campus resources, and help ease you into your college journey. Start forming friendships by attending campus events. Go to welcome events, especially those designed for new students. Additionally, attend club meetings and informational sessions, participate in hall dinners and floor events, and of course, go to class. Going to class is great for meeting people with similar interests. Plus, forming a study group can help you make fast friends. Attending campus events can help you meet a variety of people to become friends with.
Be Proactive
Take initiative in creating social opportunities for yourself. Invite people to join you for meals or campus activities, host small gatherings in your dorm room or common areas, be friendly and offer to help others when you can. Small acts of kindness can go a long way in helping you form new friendships. Still, it’s important to leverage the connections you made prior to your arrival on campus. Nurture the connections you’ve already made by staying in touch with people you met at admitted student events or summer programs and reconnect with people you met at new student orientation. Lastly, join and engage in social media groups for your college or specific interests. You never know what interaction will open the door to a lasting friendship.
Remember, making friends takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and open to new experiences. Every interaction is an opportunity to learn and grow. With persistence and a positive attitude, you’ll find your place and your people in college.
By following these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to overcome your first-year fears and create meaningful friendships during your college journey. Remember, college is not just about academic growth – it’s also about personal development and forming connections that can last a lifetime.
This post was all about making friends in college.
