How To Make Friends In College

By Katherine Gardner on August 26, 2016

This might sound like a silly subject to address for all you extroverted, outgoing people in the world but for those of us who are not as comfortable putting ourselves out there, making friends can be quite the struggle. When I was a freshman I found comfort in laying low during class and exclusively conversing with my new roommates. I was so focused on my schoolwork that I ended up cutting myself off from the possibility of making new friends without even realizing it. It wasn’t until I actually started making friends my sophomore year that I understood just how great it is to know the people sitting next to you, to have different friends to go out with, and just to enjoy a good conversation with someone. Here are a few tips to help you come out of your shell and meet some cool people.

Say hello to people. It’s honestly as easy as that easy. Fall semester is about to begin and chances are you’re going to walk into your first class and there will be a heavy silence looming over the room. You have two options: sit down, take your phone out and scroll through Twitter uncomfortably as you wait for the class to begin, or turn around and say something to the person next to you. No matter what you talk about (within reason, let’s not get crazy), at least you’ve broken the ice with someone and created a sense of comradery with your classmate.

(ivywise.com)

Extra curricular activities are everything. As easy and convenient as it is to ignore the social aspects of college and stay in your room watching Game of Thrones, joining clubs is the best way to meet new people and get the most out of your time here. And you’re guaranteed to have at least one thing in common with everyone considering you’re all joining the same club or activity. Working up the courage to join a club on your own is definitely an intimidating thought for anyone, but it will be well worth it when you can say you’ve meet some truly interesting and nice people.

(Pexels.com)

Have questions ready to ask people. This sounds lame, I realize that. But it’s a good way to keep a conversation going, especially if this is your first or second time talking to someone. Of course there are the usual questions that everyone always asks: what’s your major, where are you from, what year are you? College kids are practically forced to answer those three questions five times a day, and though they are good questions to ask they aren’t the most memorable when it comes to making friends. It’s always a good idea to have some different questions ready to ask after the three generic ones.

(Pexel.com)

Get the digits! How many times have you had a great conversation with someone and really enjoyed their presence but then just never see or talk to them again? It happens a lot and it’s frustrating as hell. Just make the move and ask for their number! In a platonic way, of course. Landing the number is what truly sets apart acquaintances from friends.

(Pexels.com)

It’s easy to leave your socialization skills at home when you get to college. Everyone is doing their own thing, so much is going on, and assignments are relentless. Why go out of your way to make new friends? I’m here to tell you that making new friends helps you grow as a person, introduces you to new things, and just makes you feel good!

Follow Uloop

Apply to Write for Uloop News

Join the Uloop News Team

Discuss This Article

Get Top Stories Delivered Weekly

Back to Top

Log In

Contact Us

Upload An Image

Please select an image to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format
OR
Provide URL where image can be downloaded
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format

By clicking this button,
you agree to the terms of use

By clicking "Create Alert" I agree to the Uloop Terms of Use.

Image not available.

Add a Photo

Please select a photo to upload
Note: must be in .png, .gif or .jpg format