10 ways to make friends at college
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This article is brought to you by Brigham Young University-Idaho, which is a private, Christian, four-year university sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The university’s mission is to help students “develop as disciples of Jesus Christ who are leaders in their homes, the Church, and their communities” by offering high-quality, affordable education in a fun and uplifting environment.
One of the most important parts of college is the community students build. College is an opportunity to make lifelong friends and build a network of career contacts. Here are some ideas to help your student make friends in college:
1. Get to know roommates
Every college student has built-in potential friends: roommates! Getting to know them is the first step to socializing at college. Doing simple things like keeping the bedroom door open and trying to strike up conversations can create opportunities for students to get to know their roommates better. Roommate relationships can be tricky, but they often lead to lasting friendships.
2. Go to orientation
Orientation is another good place to start. Depending on the university, orientation can last anywhere from a day to an entire week. The events hosted during orientation provide students with multiple opportunities to mingle. Orientation is a good place for students to find common ground, which is always helpful when starting a friendship.
3. Say hi
Don’t ever underestimate the power of a smile and simple hello. Students can make an unexpected number of impressions if they keep their heads up, smile, and greet people as they pass by. While this might feel intimidating, many students just want to make friends. Saying hi and smiling will open the doors for making connections.
4. Get involved
Every university has plenty of clubs and societies that students can sign up for. If students want more opportunities to meet people, make professional connections, and gain experience, joining one or more of these groups will do the trick. Joining a group is a great opportunity for students to make friends while also building their résumé — it’s the best of both worlds!
5. Go to campus events
There are activities for everyone on most college campuses, from kayaking in the great outdoors to playing board games indoors. The university website will have information about all the campus activities and events that are going on. Staying up to date with and attending these events is a good way for students to get out, make connections, and find new interests.
6. Attend church
Students who are religious can attend a church near them and join faith-based groups on campus. Students attending a religious university can even attend their church services on campus. For students of faith, regularly attending a church congregation can be a good way to make new friends who share their beliefs and values. Many church congregations also have regular activities that will provide students with additional opportunities to make friends.
7. Visit neighbors
In addition to having roommates, students will also have plenty of neighbors in their dorms or apartment buildings. Taking a plate of cookies over to a neighbor or even just trying to strike up a conversation when passing someone in the hallway is a good way to start friendships.
8. Host events
For some, going out and talking to people can be hard. So instead, those students might find it easier to bring other people to them. Inviting people over for a game night, movie night, or party is a great way to make friends. Students can start by inviting people they already know and then asking them to bring their friends.
9. Talk to people in class
Another built-in way for college to make friends is to get to know people in their classes. Students in classes have the chance to get to know each other for an entire semester. Talking and collaborating during these classes is a good way to create lasting friendships and make career connections.
10. Find a job
Students can also find friends at their part-time job. Every job is different, but most college jobs will involve working with other people. Students can show genuine interest in their coworkers by visiting with them while at work and even by inviting them to social events they either host or hear about. Not only can students make friends with their coworkers this way, but they’ll be able to make their work environment more enjoyable.
There are lots of ways to make friends at college. However, the most important thing your student should remember is to be themselves and put themselves out there, because that’s what will really draw the right people to them.