Making New Friends on Campus – A Guide

College is a time when many of us fly the coop and, oftentimes, settle in a totally different city, away from parents and long-time friends.

Even for the biggest social butterflies, there is always going to be some slight apprehension when faced with the prospect of making a completely new set of buddies, leaving the comfort zone of the high school social circle.

Typically, the transition for most students is from a smaller high school to an often much larger college. This leaves an opportunity to meet people, but don’t rely solely on “mass-friending” people in your incoming class on Facebook to start connecting with others (that leaves for the always slightly awkward meeting which is guided by a mutual search for the person who matches the default profile picture). Also, don’t rely solely on meeting new people on your floor of the dorm where you are living, either. Just because you live in the same general area, there is definitely no guarantee that you’ll share common interests or have agreeing personalities.

Here are a few ideas to get connected with other students on campus, and hopefully make some new friends:

Join a special interest or volunteer club.

Are you into scrapbooking, animal rights, or “green” initiatives? There are so many clubs dedicated to everything (from Salsa dancing to barbequing) that finding one that captures a passion or hobby is usually fairly easy, and if not, you can request to create a new club! By connecting with others that have similar interests and passions, you create an instant common ground. Also, many college campuses have clubs dedicated to those who share the same cultural heritage or religious background.

Try out for a club/intermural sport.

Whether you are very athletic or not coordinated in the least, trying a new sport (e.g. golf, ultimate Frisbee, judo, triathalon, Guitar Hero training… seriously) that sounds interesting and fun to you is a great way to build friendships and get into shape! Many club sports welcome inexperienced members, and will often have trainers, uniforms, and other benefits available to you without having to pay hefty dues. Plus, if you get good, you might place and be able to compete in a larger competition. It’s a great way to build some team spirit.

Audition for or join a performing arts group.

If acting, singing, playing an instrument or dancing is of interest to you, I highly encourage getting involved in the performing arts on campus. Like the sports, performing arts groups are like teams, bringing people close together, whether they are rehearsing for a musical, practicing together for a showcase, or even preparing for a gig at the student union. Though I am a finance and marketing major, I auditioned and made it into the top chorale group at my university. We performed in amazing places and even got to go on an all-expenses paid trip to Ecuador, where we went to and performed in workshops, met international students, and toured volcanoes and other gorgeous landscapes.

Go Greek or join a major academic or professional organization.

Even if you feel that Greek life is “all Greek to you” (haha, yeah…), definitely check out Greek life, as well as the other major academic and professional organizations on campus (which may or may not have Greek letters, as well). While the social Greek scene was not for me, I joined a professional business fraternity (co-ed, yay!) that focused on building business skills and networking, while also promoting a sense of brotherhood and connection between the members. While rushing/pledging a major organization may seem daunting, if you are dedicated, the entire experience is worth it, and you make great friendships along the way.

Take a class that you are interested in, even if it is not in your major.

Elective classes (and even classes in general that you enjoy) are a good way to meet people, especially if they are discussion-based. Sharing opinions, working together, and studying together are always a surefire way to bond.

College is the best time to try new things and meet new friends. So get involved (especially if you are commuting)! I promise you will not regret it.