Entering college or transferring to a new college can be a very scary thing, especially if you’re someone who is more on the shy side. Going from high school, whether big or small, to college can be anxiety inducing for some people.
Making friends in a new place is not always easy. You don’t know who you will relate to or who will have the same interests as you and it can be terrifying.
Luckily, for me, me and my best friend bonded over our Katy Perry concert shirts and have been inseparable since.
So, if you are stressing about this upcoming school year and are wondering how to make friends, here are the top 5 ways to do that.
Join Clubs / Sports
Just like high school, college has plenty of clubs and sports to join. And you can probably make your own club. So, whether it relates to your major or it’s a club for those who like anime there is probably something for you. What better way to find a friend than to find someone who has common interests as you? If you’re an athlete, joining a sport is another way to make friends. Sometimes people on a sports team become like your family even. So, if you have some time after classes and homework, join a club or sport. That is a sure way to make friends.
Talk To Them In Classes
You go to college to go to classes, so why not try to find a friend you can sit next to everyday to make it a bit more enjoyable. There are no assigned seats in college and even though everyone usually sits in the same seat every time, the first few classes are for finding your place in the classroom. Try talking to the people around you. It can be nerve-wracking, but you might find your best friend sitting next to you in class. Compliment their shirt or ask them a question about the assignment or lesson. Ask them what their major is or where they’re from or how their Summer was. Before you know it, you’ll be eating lunch together every day and become friends.
Get An On-Campus Job
Getting an on-campus job not only gives you a little money so you can buy food and supplies and whatever else you need, but it can introduce you to a lot of people, whether it’s your co-workers or the people who come in to where you work. If you work in the campus bookstore, maybe talking to the customers can help you make friends by finding out their interests or what classes they are taking. Your co-workers will most likely be other students and you have to talk to them anyway, so why not strike up a convo?
Hang Out In The Student Center
The student center is where all of the students meet when they have time to kill in between classes or commuting home. Grab some food, pull up a chair and start talking to the people there. Sometimes there are activities that take place like playing pool, people selling things, etc. Take advantage of that and talk with the people there. You can also do your homework there instead of in your dorm or at home. It gives others a chance to approach you. You never know who you might find.
Participate In On Campus Activities
If you don’t have time to join a club or sport, there is always something going on around campus. Whether it is a spirit rally, goat yoga, student appreciation days, free giveaways, etc., take advantage of those times. Not only can you get free things and do really fun activities, but you can also meet a lot of cool people and you can schedule to meet up at the next event.
Granted this is easier said than done. Some people are introverted, shy or have social anxiety, so just try to find maybe one or two people in your classes if that’s the case. College is different from high school. People are more open to talk.