Being in college means having the opportunity to make friends in college with people from different parts of the world and from different backgrounds.

 It’s often said that making friends in college is easy, but it can still lead to social anxiety, so here are his five helpful tips for making friends at college. you can do it!

Going to college is one of the most exciting and transformative experiences for young people. Having friends in college is one of the best ways to feel at home and make the most of your four years. Here are 10 tips for making friends in college.

1. Start conversations with new people every day

Remember, you’re not the only one looking to make new friends when school starts. So, it’s important to find ways to reach new people. Challenge yourself to strike up conversations with new people every day. 

This is as much as sitting next to someone eating alone in the dining room, asking someone in your dorm where they are from, or chatting with someone new to the program and attending a class. It’s easy. Not only will you be able to find friends, but someone else should be grateful to reach out to you.

2. Get a job on campus

One of the best ways to meet new people is to find jobs on campus. Many of these jobs take place in places where you meet and interact with people who work as an assistant in the cafeteria, in the dormitory, and even in the library. Millions of people come to you for help, support, or just to start a conversation.

3. Do your homework in the public domain

It might be tempting to lock yourself in your room to do your homework, but you probably won’t meet anyone that way. If you end up hanging out in the room, leave the door open to encourage others to stop by. 

If possible, bring a book into your dormitory common room, visit your major’s study area, grab a table in the library, or sit in the student union. You will have the opportunity to chat with other students and have other students reach out to you.

4. Join student organizations

The college has many great opportunities and one of the best ways to meet others is through student organizations. Most colleges offer many clubs, fraternities, sororities, and sports for students to join.

 If you’re not sure where to start, contact your school’s student activities department. It helps you find groups of like-minded students and build your network.

5. Volunteer

Volunteering is not only a great way to meet people, but it also allows you to contribute to the college community and gain new skills for your resume. Seriously, it’s a win-win situation.

6. Participate in Campus Events

The campus has an entire department dedicated to running events and programs. These professionals, graduate students, student workers, and volunteers spend considerable time and money organizing events and attracting students.

Events are typically shared online and posted in dormitories, student unions, or class buildings. Try them out and join us regularly. You can even find opportunities to volunteer and find jobs on campus.

7. Join an online group

For us introverts, attending all the social events our college offers can be overwhelming. As such, it may be worth considering other less impactful options. Talk to fellow students online before entering campus. 

After registration, many colleges start Facebook groups for the purpose of connecting new students. Join some, check your local social media and find your buddies. That way, when you arrive on campus, you’ll be sure to meet some familiar faces that will ease your transition.

8. Attend every class

Skipping classes can be very tempting. Especially when there is no one around to tell you to go. However, it’s easy to see who’s in class and who’s not. Attending classes regularly helps others get to know you and shows professors that you are a dedicated student. 

This is a great way to meet people who are passionate about your research, and professors can also help connect you to other exciting opportunities.

9. Hang out at the Student Center

In most universities, the center of all activity is the student center or student union. There are usually locations such as offices for student engagement, club offices, groups, and organizations. Spending time at the Student Center is a great way to get up to speed on what’s happening on campus and get involved in activities and events.

10. Accept life in a dormitory

Whether you call it a dorm or a college dorm, one of the best places to meet people is where you live across the street. Invest your time in the community by joining a dormitory. Join a dormitory association to help with the Resident Assistant program or participate in dormitory events. 

Hang out in the lobby, do your homework in the common areas, or play games in the lounge. Visit your neighbors and go hang out together. 

Some of the people living in your dormitory will surely become part of your group. In college in the US, I also have a built-in friend who lives across the street. Get to know your roommates, invite them to dinner, and include them in your plans.

Q’s and A’s

Here are some common questions students have about friendships.

1. How can I keep in touch with my high school friends while in college?

This is difficult and depends on the situation. If you go to college in a town where most of your high school friends still live, just see them regularly. However, if you and your friends are scattered across different colleges across the country, as was my case, you need to be more careful. 

My high school friends and I make sure to meet during breaks, such as trivia, parties, and even summer trips. And of course, regular texts, calls, and FaceTime.

With that said, you should also expect to be separated from your high school friends. People change a lot after high school. The gaps between the “stages of life” are wider, or at least more visible, than they were before college. This may be uncomfortable, but it has to happen. 

On the other hand, if you’re unhappy with your high school friendships, college is a great place to make a fresh start.

Of course, you don’t have to be mean, but don’t feel obligated to remain friends with someone just because you dated them in high school. This is the sunk costs fallacy at work. 

2. None of my friends want to do anything. What should I do?

It’s very simple: become an organizer. Take an active role in planning what you have to do. It took me way too long to understand the power of this approach.

Because, in general, it’s not that friends don’t want to hang out. They are in exactly the same position as you and are looking for someone who can drive them to action. Don’t get caught up in inertia. Be the one who moves things forward.

3. Advice: Leave your first group of friends.

When you enter college, it’s normal to become friends with the first person you meet. That’s not a bad thing (I’m still friends with some of the people I met at college orientation).

But don’t think that these are the only people you can be friends with. Go to some of the places I suggested above and try branching out. Join a new club, take a class outside your area of expertise, or strike up a conversation with a colleague. As a result, your life will be richer and your social circle will expand.

Conclusion: Go out and find friends

“Each friend represents the world within us. That world may not be born until they arrive. Only through that encounter is a new world born.”

Anais Nin

This article covered a lot regarding how to make friends in your college. But like any advice, it’s useless if you don’t put it into practice.

 Ultimately, the best advice I can give you for making friends is to make it a priority. Once you’ve achieved that mindset shift, it’s your job to get out there and make it happen.

So today, try applying just one piece of advice from this article. Find friends in new places. Invite a friend for coffee. Practice vulnerability with an existing friend.

Just taking these steps will pave the way for a happier and more fulfilling life.