Beginning college can be a very daunting and stressful time for many students. Knowing that you’ll be in a completely unfamiliar environment, with new people, and a different routine than you’re used to can cause anxiety for anyone. With all this anxiety already building up, having to figure out how to tackle the idea of being at a predominately white institution (PWI) as a black student can become overwhelming.
Going into my freshman year I knew I chose the right school for me, but had a lot of concerns regarding the fact that there was only a small percentage of African American students at my university. I was very worried that I wouldn’t be able to make friends or find people similar to me. I have found that my experience was not unique, and many black students have some anxiety leading up to attending a PWI. The idea of finding a community of your people at an institution with only a small percentage of African American students can feel impossible, but it is not. To provide some of my insights for those going into university, or upperclassmen who have just been struggling with finding their people, here are the some things I’ve done my freshman year of college to feel involved at my PWI as a black student and build a community with other black students.
JOINED CLUBS SPECIFICALLY FOR BLACK STUDENTS
Clubs in general are a key way to get involved at your university and make friends. Every club I have joined at my university, whether they be volunteer based or social clubs, I have been able to make connections and feel included. Every club is its own personal community of people who share a similar interest and passion.
I began going to my universities Black Student Board and Black Student Union meetings and events as soon as the school year started. Through these clubs I have met some of my closest friends and continue to meet new people everytime I attend an event. These clubs specifically for black students were some of the most welcoming clubs I joined, immediately treating me like a part of their community. Not only are the events hosted fun but they’re also personalized to things the black community would enjoy!
Most universities have clubs for different racial groups, and if yours doesn’t beginning one would be a great way to create a new community within your university.
ATTEND ALL EVENTS HOSTED FOR BLACK STUDENTS
In college it feels like there are endless events everyday. Attending events is such an important thing to do to meet new people and continue being a part of a community. Schools, clubs, and organizations create and execute different events so that people will come, make new friends, enjoy their time, and spend time with their communities.
Anytime I see events advertised for black students, either by black organizations themselves or by my university, I make sure I make the time to attend, even if it’s just for a small duration of time. For Black History Month there has been an increase of events, like speeches and gatherings set aside for black students to come together and celebrate their month, at my university. I have taken advantage of this and used this opportunity to attend the variety of events hosted.
Events give you a space to relax, hang out with friends, meet new people, and express yourself and your opinions. Anytime discussions are held for black students I make sure I’m in attendance because these are one the most calming events.It is a space where everyone shares their own experiences and you realize that you’re not alone in your feelings and experiences at a PWI.
MADE FRIENDS WITH PEOPLE LIKE ME
Making friends with other black students on campus has been one of the most important and beneficial things I’ve done my freshman year to begin creating a community I love. Having people that I know are going through the same experiences and emotions as I am has turned out to be very comforting. The friendships I’ve made with students who are also freshmen have shown me that we are all in the same boat, and the friendships I’ve made with students who are older have shown me that you can be happy and thrive at a PWI as a black student.
I have been able to meet people through my friends and continue to build a community of people I can trust and go to with any problems I have pertaining to my PWI. Having a listening ear who can relate to and provide insights for the feelings of anxiety or anxiousness I have has been extremely beneficial to navigating and overcoming these feelings.
The social aspect of college doesn’t have to be something you dread and have anxiety over. It can be scary being a minority on a PWI campus, but having a community to have your back and understand your concerns can be extremely beneficial. So go to those events, join those clubs, and make friends who understand what you’re going through! You’ll find that it’s much easier to get through it and you’ll love the people in your support system by the end of it!