After the first couple weeks of classes, I’ve realized that not everyone has it figured out. This concept was hard for me as I transitioned from high school to college and even still in my third year. As incoming freshmen, that transition can be especially tough; having classes on different days, a messed-up sleep schedule, and already practically living in the library is not what you probably remember leaving behind in high school. If you are out of state, this can be even harder because now there is the added pressure of making new friends. Many say, “College is the best four years of your life,” and it is, so long as you have the people to make those amazing memories with right by your side. Making friends is harder to do in college because you don’t see the same people every day, class are an in-and-out type of thing with less social interaction compared to high school, and if it takes you a long time to warm up to people like me, the cordial conversations that are being had aren’t enough for you to start a new friendship.
So, I have three tips to help make that part a little easier:
- Trust the process.
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College is just one big process that teaches you how to grow up, fend for yourself, study hard, and make new friends when the time is right. Whenever a situation is forced, it won’t feel genuine, so my first tip is to not force anything. There is a group of people for everybody in college, unlike in high school. Find your people and thrive. It will make your experience that much better, and you will meet some of your “forever friends” if you stay true to yourself.
- Start joining clubs.
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There are so many organizations to be a part of whether it is Greek life, service projects, research, performing or visual arts. You name it, there’s probably a club for it. Find something that interests you and join. This is a quick and easy way to find people that share the same interests as you. No, this doesn’t mean you will be automatic friends, but it’s a good start. Plus, joining clubs is a great distraction from the chaos of classes. It’s a time to just enjoy your hobby.
- Create a study group.
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This is some advice I wish I took myself. You already have something in common with these people by taking the same class, so use that to your advantage. Two brains are better than one for sure. Study groups serve a dual purpose: it helps you make friends and also do better in your classes. Study groups allow you to talk out the information and work through problems together, but you always will start to learn new things about the people you study with. If your study group runs late into the night, you will see what kind of coffee your study partner(s) likes to drink, the snacks they like to eat, and maybe their favorite pizza order. You all get to succeed in the class together while still building a bond that could last a lifetime.
No matter how you decide to go about making new friends, just do it! College isn’t fun if you don’t have someone to make memories and share your successes with, someone to cry to when something goes bad, or someone to struggle over classes with. Even if you aren’t very social, like I was my freshman year, you’ll still find your people to share this wonderful experience with.