How to make friends in college?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s a question as old as time, sometimes mulled over endlessly, other times more of a subconscious idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you\u2019re new to your university or have been there for some time, you could use some friends to study, laugh, cry, and enjoy life with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Well, you\u2019ve come to the right place!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nHere are our best tips for how to make friends in college:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. Be Friendly and Open to Possibilities<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Nothing will help you make friends more easily than being friendly, as you might imagine. We all have our own unique take on how to be friendly, from smiling at others to walking straight up to someone to introduce ourselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being friendly and personable might make you acquaintances easily, but to take it to the next level, be open, as well. If you get invited for a coffee or to a party, say yes, if at all possible. If it\u2019s not convenient, move things around and really try. And if it\u2019s just not going to happen, propose a new time to meet up. This way, you\u2019ll still show them that you really care about getting to know them. Finally, don\u2019t just look<\/em> for friends; be<\/em> a friend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you go looking for a friend, you\u2019re going to find they\u2019re very scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you\u2019ll find them everywhere.\u201d<\/p>Zig Ziglar<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
While friendliness and personability are important, it\u2019s crucial also that you…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
2. Don\u2019t Change Who You Are<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
While you want to be open to new possibilities, don\u2019t change who you are, fundamentally speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are more than 7.8 billion people in the world, several hundred or thousand of whom are in your college alone. Some people may not share your particular tastes, interests, political views, religious opinions, or sense of what constitutes having a great time. And that\u2019s okay, because there will undoubtedly be people who do match up with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, don\u2019t discount the people who don\u2019t share your likes, dislikes, and beliefs. College is all about broadening your mind and letting you experience new things, and this includes people, as well. Your next BFF could very easily be someone who has completely different views than your own!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25 Best Apps for College Students: Productivity, Studying, Learning & More<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
3. Ask Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Questions are great ways to make friends, because it shows you want to continue a conversation and get to know that person better. According to a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology by the American Psychological Association, asking questions is one of the key acts to increasing likability in you from others. In the report<\/a>, it states: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t ask yes-no questions, but rather questions that require some thought and a more detailed response on their part. Follow up, as well, either with additional questions or with a similar fact or story about yourself. The key is to assure them that you want to talk with them and get to know them on a more personal level. Check out our list of the best icebreaker questions<\/a> if you want some ideas!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4. Attend Campus Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
School-sponsored events are great places to meet people during your university years. You can show some school spirit and root for your college at the next football game, attend workshops put on by your college to develop your skills, or take in a concert, reading, art exhibit, play or art performance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finding these university events are pretty easy\u2014just visit your college\u2019s website. There you\u2019ll most likely find an events calendar of happenings, both academic and non-academic. Here are some examples from Northwestern University<\/a>, Stanford University<\/a>, New York University<\/a>, Drexel University<\/a>, and Cornell University<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 18 Types of Scholarships to Explore for Your College Needs<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
5. Head to Off-Campus Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
College events are great, sure, but there are many more events and opportunities to socialize outside your campus. Since you\u2019re likely in a new city when you get to college, get out there and explore!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can head to the local pub or club for a night out, meeting people by mingling at the bar. Find a trivia night to attend and join a team. Attend a workshop or conference and socialize with other attendees after it\u2019s over. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To find local events near your university, check out DoStuff<\/a>, Eventbrite<\/a>, Facebook Local<\/a>, and All Events in City<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
6. Make Friends in the Classroom<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Classes are one of the best ways to make friends in college. You\u2019re already \u201cstuck\u201d with a fairly large and diverse group of students in each class. So, get to know them. Ask for help with your assignments when needed, or offer your assistance if you see someone struggling. Really work it when it comes to group projects in particular, as these provide the perfect opportunity to make acquaintances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cEach friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born.\u201d<\/p>Ana\u00efs Nin<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Or, you can also join a campus organization or take on other extracurricular activities, perfect for meeting people who share your interests and values. Some examples include the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics student organization at Colorado State University, the Parkour Club at the University of Idaho, or inQUEERy at NYU, which meets for movies, field trips, and discussions regarding LGBTQ issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: Scholarships 101: Everything Students Need to Know About Getting a Scholarship<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
7. Get a Job or Internship<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I, myself, have been out of university for some time now, and just about all my friends, save for a few outliers, come from my job. Your job is an ideal place to make new friends, as you are obligated to work closely with a group of people for dozens of hours each and every week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Whether you get a job or an internship during college, use it to your advantage when it comes to making friends. Don\u2019t spend your breaks or lunches alone; instead, be open and approachable. Internships in particular help you develop new friendships, as several of you might be hired at the same time for similar tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: Best First Jobs: 65+ First-Time Job Ideas for Teens & College Students<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
8. Find Friendship During Your Everyday Routine<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes, you don\u2019t really have to do anything special to find friends while in college. Potential buddies are everywhere, if you just get into the right mindset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re shopping for groceries and see someone you recognize from one of your classes, walk up to them and introduce yourself; the next time you see them in class, you\u2019ll already have at least an acquaintance. When you head to the gym, strike up a conversation when appropriate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSmile at people everywhere you go. Don\u2019t just give them one of those half-smirk\/head nod things. Raise your eyebrows, show those teeth, and chuckle while you smile. Next time you\u2019re at the store, give a full-hearted smile to at least three complete strangers. You\u2019ll be amazed at what this does for them and for you.\u201d<\/p>Dan Pearce, Single Dad Laughing<\/em><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25+ Books for College Students to Read in University (2020 Edition)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
9. Host Your Own Event<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tired of looking for events or finding that none of them quite fit what you\u2019re looking for? Host your own event! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The most obvious idea would be to throw a party at your dorm or apartment, of course. It is a great way to meet people, certainly. However, there are many other things you can do if you have your own space and are keen on finding new pals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Start a book club that meets each week at your place. Throw a dinner party and invite anyone who\u2019s interested. Invite classmates over for a movie night. Or, simply propose to your college peers or group assignment partners that you all study together in your room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 15+ Easy Ways on How to Save Money in College (Tips & Advice for 2020)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
10. Make Friends in Your Dormitory<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you live in a dorm, take advantage of being surrounded by your classmates and other peers. Hang out in the common area if you\u2019re reading a book, smile at people you pass in the hallway, and be courteous with your music when you\u2019re in your room. Make a special effort to befriend your roommate, as they will be part of everything for some time to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, don\u2019t hang out in your room alone too often, as you\u2019ll be missing out on opportunities to make friends during this time. Use your room for sleeping and hardcore studying, and do other less-important tasks or hobbies out in the shared space, if and when possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: 25+ Studying From Home Tips for Productivity and Success<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
11. Manage Your Own Expectations & Be Patient<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Making friends takes time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s important that you manage your own expectations on building new friendships at university. Don\u2019t expect that it\u2019ll be easy, don\u2019t assume it\u2019ll be quick, and also don\u2019t get offended if one or two of the people you try to befriend don\u2019t seem to want to form a closer bond with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to a study<\/a> by University of Kansas researcher Jeffrey A. Hall, on average it takes students 43 hours to turn casual acquaintances into friends, 57 hours for students to turn these casual friends into friend-friends, and 119 hours to get to best friends. For non-student adults, the time is almost double!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, learn how to be patient<\/a>. Making friends is a lengthy process, but that\u2019s a good thing, too. Real friends will hopefully be around for you later in life, to vacation with, attend weddings, and be there when you need \u2018em. Enjoy the process!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: College vs University: What\u2019s the Difference Between Uni and College?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
12. Join Goodwall!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Last but not least\u2014 <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join Goodwall (that\u2019s us)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Goodwall is the perfect community for college students, because our app was built specifically for students, young professionals, and entrepreneurs such as yourself. Join over 1.4 million people from 150+ countries around the world to give and receive support, ask and answer questions, build meaningful relationships, find inspiration, gain recognition, showcase your achievements, and so much more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Also, on the Goodwall Blog<\/a>, you\u2019ll find tons of helpful tips and guides to help you through your university years<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To join, simply sign up to Goodwall on our website, or download the app (links below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Related Read<\/strong>: How to Use Goodwall\u2019s Web Profile to Score a Scholarship & Get Into Uni<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n