Heading off to college for the first time can be a bit intimidating. Whether you are a commuter or you live on campus, you will be surrounded by many unfamiliar faces. The friendships you form during this time are an important part of the experience and can be quite influential on the rest of your life. You may think that it’s difficult to make friends in college, especially if you’re shy, but with a little effort it can be quite easy.
One way to make friends in college is to get to class early. Not all students show up late or right on time. When you arrive a bit early, you get the opportunity to socialize with other students that are in the room with you before the class starts.
Spend some time in the cafeteria. This is a great way to make friends in college, especially in the beginning of the school year. You can start a conversation with someone else that is sitting alone, run into those that you have become acquainted with through your classes and casually chat up someone on the food line.
Be willing to give up some of your free time in order to make friends in college. There are going to be some spur of the moment dinner runs, visits to dorm rooms, study sessions for a class and parties on a Saturday night. A potential friend wants to be able to spend time with you to develop a friendship, and not get shot down every time they make an offer for plans. However, you shouldn’t skip classes or give up your study time for plans, which is something a friend will understand.
Attend some of the college sponsored events. Whether it is family day, orientation, a football game, or a freshman party, these are great opportunities to make friends in college. Your school’s website should have information on these events.
Offer your help to someone that needs it. If you find that you’re great in a certain class and an acquaintance tells you that they’re struggling, propose studying together after class in a public area. There is a chance that they may run into people that they know and introduce you. You get the opportunity to make new friends in college and do a good deed in the process.
Get away from your dorm room for awhile when you need to study. Go to the lounge area of your dorm, the library, or a spot outside on campus where you can get some work done, but be chatted up by another person that is interested in talking with you.
If you want to make friends in college, be yourself and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Embrace your chance to meet new people and form friendships that could last a lifetime.