11 Smart Ways to Make Friends in College
As a college student, you have so many unique opportunities ahead of you: the opportunity
to learn about countless subjects, to become involved in all sorts of clubs and activities,
and, of course, to meet wonderful people from all over the world. These people often
wind up becoming your friends and, if you’re lucky, lifelong friends! The prospect
of putting yourself out there and taking a chance on others can be daunting or even
downright scary, but we promise – if you intentionally set out to turn acquaintances
into friends, you’ll be successful!
Not sure where to start? Try out these 11 tips to find your newest besties on campus!
Use the Dorm to Your Advantage
If you live in one of the residence halls on campus, resist the urge to hole up in
your room all day every day. Make the most out of living on campus. Get out and meet
the other Bearcats on your floor! There are students who are just like you – eager
to make new friends but unsure or nervous. Say hi to everyone you see in the hall
or even pop your head in for a quick hello if someone has their door open. With that,
remember to keep your own door open most times; this shows that you’re inviting people
to stop by and say hello! Make it a point to talk to everyone in your residence hall
at least once!
Join a Club or Organization That Interests You
There’s nothing better than befriending like-minded people who share the same passions
as you! Find a group on campus to join this year, whether it’s a club, organization,
religious group, academic club, or service organization. Taking part in things that
interest you alongside others can provide common ground to help you strike up a conversation
and make a new friend!
Take Your Studying to a More Social Space
On the days when you have a lighter workload than normal, take your textbooks out
of your dorm room and into a more social setting on campus. Catch up on your reading
and enjoy the fall weather on the Quad, or make yourself more seen by solving equations
at the 1828 Café. You’re sure to find someone who would be willing to take a break
from studying and chat for a bit!
Put Your Phone Away
You might feel compelled to pull out your phone and scroll through social media as
you walk through campus to feel a little less awkward. While your smartphone can act
as a security blanket, it’ll get in the way of making connections with others. As
you go through your day, keep your phone in your backpack (or back in your dorm room)
and take in your surroundings. Smile and say “hi” to students, faculty, and staff
who pass you by on the sidewalks. Doing this shows the world that you are interested
and engaged with what’s going on around you – and ready to make some friends!
Introduce Yourself
Okay, we know – this can be intimidating, especially if you’re shy or have social
anxiety. But we promise, it’s not as scary as it seems! In fact, the student next
to you might be feeling the same way you do. You don’t have to overthink this one;
just say something like, “Hi, my name is …” and maybe add a small detail (“I’m in
your psychology class,” or “This is my first time at the anime club meeting.”). This
will help break the ice and make you more memorable to whomever you’re speaking with.
Be Ready for Small Talk
No one really likes small talk, but it’s necessary to get a conversation going. And
don’t worry – it doesn’t mean you’re forever doomed to talk about the weather. Small
talk could include giving someone a compliment, asking a question about an upcoming
assignment or campus event, talking about stress and studying, or even sharing an
amusing experience you had recently. From there, you can ask intriguing open-ended
questions and start to dig into deeper, more meaningful topics.
Find Some Common Ground
What brings people together and establishes great friendships? Mutual interests and
hobbies, that’s what. After you get through the semi-awkward small talk, try to find
some common ground to see what you and other Bearcats have in common. Maybe you both
love sports, gaming, the same TV shows, art, or obscure English progressive rock bands.
Once you both find out that you enjoy the same things, you’re on your way to becoming
friends!
Eat Your Meals with Others
Listen, it’s so easy to just grab something from Ames, the 1828 Café, or the Lair
and eat in your dorm or apartment. But if you want to make some friends, it’s important
to share meals alongside others. Resist the urge to sit alone at a table and stare
into your phone. Load up your tray, sit with your fellow students, and enjoy some
laughs and good times with your soon-to-be friends!
Attend Campus Events Often
Speaking of getting out of your room, we challenge you to get out of your comfort
zone and attend campus events frequently – at least once a week – if you want to make
friends. You’ll learn new things together, laugh and enjoy performances from visiting
artists together, and build upon shared experiences, which can forge fun friendships!
Always Be Kind
Everyone wants to be friends with someone who is an overall kind and caring person.
Remember to smile, ask how the other person is doing, treat them as you’d like to
be treated, and learn to open up and be vulnerable. Your kindness and authenticity
will draw people to you!
Be Yourself
It’s natural to want to blend in and be or act like others so they’ll like you. Unfortunately,
that’s not the way to get true, lifelong friends. While it might seem scary, do your
best to let your true personality and passions shine through. The people who want
to be your real friends will be drawn to you and want to spend time with you!
Making friends in college doesn’t have to be hard or scary, but it does require a
little bit of effort. The result – lifelong friends – will be more than worth it,
though. You’ve got this, Bearcats!
