From orientation to graduation, Chatham women share their tips for making friends in college!
1. Be Extra Friendly at Orientation.
“I’m naturally a shy person, but I knew I would have to do a lot of talking at orientation and I am still good friends with the girls I met there,” says Stephanie Welling ’14. “It’s probably the best place to bond as literally everyone is terrified.”
2. Keep Your Door Open.
“If you are living on campus, leave open your door,” says Rosemary Davies ’16. “The residence halls are quite friendly!” Shannon Ward ’15 (below, gray shirt) proves it with this candid taken in Woodland!
3. Sit with Strangers in the Dining Hall.
It’s easy to sit at the same table for a whole year in high school, but college is the time to step out of your comfort zone. “You will meet more people by taking the initiative,” says Amy Chau ’15.
4. Join Student Organizations.
“Get involved in activities around campus,” advises Casey Deer ’15. Chatham is a small sisterhood, but the varied hobbies of the women on campus are well-represented. “You will find that student organizations will cover most of your interests, whether it is philanthropy or fashion,” says Davies. Adds Jessica Sanfilippo ’15, “Join the newspaper, The Communique, or another club. They always host their own events that even more students attend.”
5. Discover Clubs at Other Universities
Even if you’re not cross-registered at other universities, you’re often welcome to join their student organizations! “Right now, I’m in the anime club at CMU,” says Davies.
6. Attend On-Campus Events.
From making crafts for Monday Night Edge to going on weekend outdoor excursions, Chatham offers amazing events to help you try something new and have a blast doing it. “You are always bound to meet and connect with someone there,” says Davies.
7. Play Outside.
Chatham alumnae love to talk about feeding the ducks by the pond or sledding down Chapel Hill. Having an impromptu outdoor gathering is a great way to enjoy our beautiful campus and bond with your classmates. In the photo below, Ward (left) and Emily Kocian ’15 pose with their snowman!
8. Experience Life at Other Colleges.
“Walk around at different schools’ campuses and participate in their school events,” advises Chau. Whether you opt for a lecture at Pitt or a show at CMU, there are dozens of events going on every day on Pittsburgh campuses.
9. Seek Out Parties.
“Find open parties with your friends or just keep an eye out for events going on in your city (especially if they’re being put on by other schools),” says Welling.
10. Participate in Chatham Traditions.
From Candlelight to University Day, Chatham’s traditions unite women across generations. Ward (center) had a blast at Thanksgiving Dinner!
11. Visit Other Neighborhoods.
“Oakland and Squirrel Hill are great places to go to study and to hang out,” says Sanfilippo. If you’re up for a bigger adventure, catch a movie in the Waterfront, grab brunch in the Strip District, or buy tickets to a touring Broadway show Downtown (Chatham often offers discounts).
12. Experience Pittsburgh Culture.
“Go to some of the city events (Cinema in the Park) or the many organizations (The Space Upstairs, Mexico City) scattered across Pittsburgh,” says Davies. Since your student ID functions as a bus pass, you’ve got free transportation to go anywhere!
13. Unwind in Coffee Shops.
“You’ll find them everywhere,” says Davies. “Be sure to check out the hip, indie Biddle’s Escape tucked away in Regent Square. Like the ukelele, open mics, and psychic readings? Go to Biddle’s.”
14. Keep an Eye Out for Special Opportunities.
Throughout the year, Chatham hosts renowned authors, lecturers, politicans and musicians – sometimes, students even have the opportunity to meet them! “My favorite memory of my first year on campus is meeting Gloria Steinem with a small group of fellow students and professors,” says alumna Elizabeth Dorssom.
15. Stay Approachable.
“Be open and friendly!” suggests Deer. Even as you get more comfortable on campus, don’t forget to smile!
16. Be Open-Minded.
“Don’t go looking for the friends you had in high school because you probably won’t find them,” says Shannon Ward ’15. “Be nice to everybody and the right people will gravitate to you!”
17. Be You.
“I never once tried to make friends,” says Onastasia Youssef ’14. “But I was lucky enough to find fellow students that I clicked with! Now, we are lifelong and inseparable friends.”