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was it hard to make friends at first in college?
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Seritta’s Answer
I would say that depends on the size of your university and whether or not you are distance learning due to COVID. In a regular, traditional setting, it is a good idea to become involved in clubs or organizations on campus. If you find a group that is of interest to you, more often than not, the other students in that group will share similar interests with you, making that initial connection more welcoming. During my college days, I had floor meetings with my Resident Assistant and my neighbors so I was able to meet others right off the bat during my first week. I have a large interest in music so throughout college I participated in Marching band, 2 other bands, a music sorority, and the administrative leadership organization within the marching band. My interests in college have allowed me to continue participating outside of college, playing in my local community band and serving virtually on a national alumni committee with my sorority. Be sure to check with your university's student activities department, they should have a listing to all of the registered organizations on campus. Some schools will also have activity fairs during the first week of school. even though these may be virtual this year. It may be a little awkward or uncomfortable to make friends at first (I am personally really awkward at initial social interactions) but it is completely normal, best of luck!
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Sindhu’s Answer
Hi Karoline, with COVID and virtual classes things might be different, but if you are taking in-person classes, I don't think it is very hard, and I tend to be reserved and a little introverted. Everyone is new to campus like you and seeking others to make friends with and create a social circle. I met most of my university friends in classes and we we often studied together for a while before doing more fun and social things. Other ways to meet people are working in common areas during your free time, joining study groups, joining clubs, or living in dorms! I commuted to university myself, but a friend from high school stayed in a dorm at the same university and she had a huge network of friends during and after college.
Hope that helps!
Hope that helps!
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Sagar’s Answer
Hi Karoline, from my experience it was not difficult to make friends. The professors themselves took time for introducing themselves and the students to each other. And the students made an effort before and after classes and during breaks to get to know each other. My suggestion would be not to hesitate to introduce yourself to your classmates and find mutual topics of interest to talk about. You'll soon know how you fit with your classmates (You'll not get along well with everyone and that's fine).
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Naresh’s Answer
For most (but obvs not all) students, college is the first time since they were tiny that they are making friends from a zero base- just as there are fewer 'forced' interactions. If you are naturally less outgoing it feels even harder. The first thing to remember is that it takes a time for acquaintances to become friends- and as you get older it takes longer. You are likely to go through a similar process when you leave college (which will in hindsight seem easy- you heard it here first!), so use this time to build those skills.
The short and the long of it is that working on things that are interesting to you with other people who are interested in similar things is the single easiest way to build up the time together that gives the opportunity for real friendship. That's why people say to join clubs, though clubs are not the only place to do that.
The short and the long of it is that working on things that are interesting to you with other people who are interested in similar things is the single easiest way to build up the time together that gives the opportunity for real friendship. That's why people say to join clubs, though clubs are not the only place to do that.
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Anand’s Answer
Hi.. It is not hard to make friends anywhere in the world. What is important is what type of friends are you looking for. In a college, especially the first year, everyone is new. Everyone is little conscious. Hence everyone is careful in making friends. One should look for common things between themselves before becoming best buddies. Initially everyone is an acquaintance only. Once you start working together, talking on common interests is when you start having a thicker relationship. It is not hard though. Question is who takes the first step to become friends. It is a new life and definitely new experiences. Enjoy it fully and you will find many friends around yourself.
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Kiirsten’s Answer
Karoline!
You continue to ask very great questions, and I hope you're finding the answers beneficial :). Making friends in college can be scary-- there are all different kinds of people with different styles/beliefs/backgrounds/etc. In the current environment (as mentioned in previous answers), doing typical social events and networking events might be challenging due to having to be safe and social distance. I think you should just be your authentic self, and find a group you like and join in (maybe you like reading-- there is most likely a club on campus with other students who love to read). There are literally so many organizations from professional to panhellenic to arts etc when you get to college, you'll have so many options and opportunities to make friends.
Have fun!
You continue to ask very great questions, and I hope you're finding the answers beneficial :). Making friends in college can be scary-- there are all different kinds of people with different styles/beliefs/backgrounds/etc. In the current environment (as mentioned in previous answers), doing typical social events and networking events might be challenging due to having to be safe and social distance. I think you should just be your authentic self, and find a group you like and join in (maybe you like reading-- there is most likely a club on campus with other students who love to read). There are literally so many organizations from professional to panhellenic to arts etc when you get to college, you'll have so many options and opportunities to make friends.
Have fun!
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Ryan’s Answer
Hi Karoline,
From my experience, making friends in college is not difficult and happens very organically. When you are surrounded by people with similar interests and goals, making connections happen all the time. Schools often have extra curricular clubs and teams that touch on a wide variety of areas that tend to bring likeminded people together. If you are more introverted and shy, group projects are an awesome way of making friends as it forces you to interact with your classmates. Making friends will come naturally to you and it can benefit your grades to have friends to study with as well as people to take your mind off of school work.
All the best!
Goodluck!
From my experience, making friends in college is not difficult and happens very organically. When you are surrounded by people with similar interests and goals, making connections happen all the time. Schools often have extra curricular clubs and teams that touch on a wide variety of areas that tend to bring likeminded people together. If you are more introverted and shy, group projects are an awesome way of making friends as it forces you to interact with your classmates. Making friends will come naturally to you and it can benefit your grades to have friends to study with as well as people to take your mind off of school work.
All the best!
Goodluck!
Wayne Archibald
Cybersecurity Associate Director here to share knowledge!
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Wayne’s Answer
Hi Karoline. For me it was not hard at all. I attended a pretty large university. During orientation
I met many people and I gradually gravitated to people who shared similar interests. Some of these people are still my friends today many years after we graduated.
Be yourself and the right friends will come your way.
Good luck!
I met many people and I gradually gravitated to people who shared similar interests. Some of these people are still my friends today many years after we graduated.
Be yourself and the right friends will come your way.
Good luck!