katherine
What is the best and easiest way to make friends in college?
#advice #high-school #college-advice
6 answers
Sheila Jordan
Sheila’s Answer
Honestly, I'm not a chatty type person so I do a great deal observing and listening to people before letting them into my space. Once I get to know them the conversations flows quite easily and effortless. Here are a few options for your consideration:
• Be yourself. Let your personality shine through so that friends will be drawn to who you are as a person
• Walk to class with others. This will give you an opportunity to get to know friends
• Dine with people. People often bond over food; talking at coffee shops, etc.
• Seek out friends in your dorm whether it's your roommate or others on the floor; or, the dorm community
• Participate in extra curricular activities, clubs/groups, or organizations
• Identify and get to know people that have the same MAJOR as you. Join a study group or get a buddy
• Hobbies or special interests. If you have a hobby or special interests there may be people who have shared interests as well
I wish you much success on your journey; you can do it. Best of luck to you!
~ Sheila
Carissa Golden
Carissa’s Answer
Join a group. It can be academic, religious, housing related or social, but should be something you find interesting because you will meet others interested in the same things which can build friendships.
Dan Oranen
Dan’s Answer
Hey Katherine!
I worried about the same question when I was starting college (ugh, sooooo many years ago, unfortunately). However, I think that if you focus on just being yourself, you'll find many, many students just starting college will share the same sentiments as you. I'm sure that just being friendly, asking others about their backgrounds, getting to know the others in your field of study or with your interests or near your residence, that you'll make lasting friendships and find people you enjoy to spend time and stories with for years and years. Keep a positive attitude, don't let anyone discourage you, and embrace the unknowns as opportunities!
Rachel Weinheimer
Rachel’s Answer
Richard A.
Richard’s Answer
Join pre-professional societies. Making connections for your future career is hard , so get started early.
Michelle M.
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Katherine R. ~ Making friends in college depends on how naturally friendly you are. Only you know what you're comfortable with. First start by engaging in any natural conversation that is initiated by other people. You can also introduce yourself and initiate conversation yourself. One of the fun parts about being in college is chances are great that you will meet a lot of like-minded people who are working towards the same goals you are working for. Bonds develop.
Depending on your major, there may be social opportunities right in your own major department on campus. They may provide social experiences which have you becoming friends with people that you may have a lot in common with. I went to a really friendly college, was in an extremely friendly major department on campus and I was the new girl in town . As a teen, I had an innate friendly nature, though, so I fit in wonderfully which made me very happy.
Never give up your values, ever. Even if it takes time to find a very good friend, try to keep your high standards and stay true to who you are. To do otherwise brings on issues you do not need while immersed in your studies. My surprise in college was that it was the late 1970s and many older women were just going back to college during the height of the Women's Movement. I made friends of all ages ! It was great. I have two friends from college today that are still my BFFs and stay in touch with a few more - after a lot of years.
Depending on your major course of study, join one group at school that holds one of your top interests. You will definitely make friends, share social activities, attend events. The beauty of this is that you get to choose who is in your life. Pay attention to your intuition and never give up who you are. There are sometimes study groups at some colleges that are great to join.
It's not going to be as difficult as you may imagine. I wasn't what you'd say popular in high school, but I was in college.
Best wishes to you on your academic and social journey !