Hey, y'all! My name is Isabella, and I’m a college student learning how to navigate adulthood right alongside you!! Today, I will advise you on how to find your people in college.
Any year of college will have its difficulties, and friendships are subject to change at any point as people continue to grow and change throughout college. Freshman year will be especially challenging in terms of friendships. Initially, because you may not know many people at your university, but secondly, you might grow apart from the people you know for various reasons. Regardless of your college year, I am confident you will take away at least one piece of advice to help you develop and cultivate true friendships.
Join organizations you are genuinely interested in.
This will lead you to meet people who have the same interests. A great piece of advice I received is to choose one organization to get involved in that is related to your major and one organization to get involved in that is intriguing or that purely interests you. This is because having extracurriculars is very important to assist you in being a competitive applicant for jobs post-graduation and, especially, if you plan on going to graduate school. Additionally, it is an exceptional way to meet like minded people.
One thing I regret doing at the beginning of my freshman year was getting involved in too many organizations. I decided I would just join any organization that seemed mildly interesting to me and ended up spreading myself too thin. Because I had spread myself too thin, I no longer felt passionate or eager to attend any of these clubs. Getting involved is essential, but doing so in a way that is sustainable for you is even more crucial. Not only is having extracurriculars necessary, but setting yourself up to run for a position within the organization eventually is ideal.
To reiterate, only get involved in 2 organizations freshman year, one that pertains to your major and one that genuinely excites you and sparks your interest. Regardless, most organizations often host events and meetings, which can help you strike up conversations and form friendships.
Be outgoing!
I understand it’s scary, but this is how I met some of my best friends during my freshman year, and I know this is the case for many others. Everyone is in the same boat, looking for genuine friendships and nervous about “starting over” in college.
Sometimes, all it takes is saying hi or having a friendly conversation to start a new friendship.
It is easier said than done, but one challenge I give myself that I always find beneficial is to introduce myself to at least one person in every class during my first week of classes. This has helped me repeatedly by having someone to get notes from if I get sick or someone to ask clarifying questions to.
Once you join a church, get involved in it.
Again, this is an ideal way to meet like-minded people. Join a community group or bible study through your church to help you meet new people and make deeper friendships as you find trustworthy people to confide in.
In my freshman year, I joined a community group at my church with one of my best friends, and it changed the trajectory of my freshman year. I found my confidence in the Lord and had the fantastic opportunity to surround myself with a group of people chasing after the Lord. It can be hard to find an uplifting group like this that aligns with your values, so your church is an excellent place to start.
Additionally, you can sign up to volunteer. Churches offer many different areas for volunteers so that there is somewhere for everyone to help. It is wonderful if you feel called to do so, but remember not to overcommit yourself in freshman year.
No one will look down on you because you are trying to figure out a schedule that works for you!
Introduce yourself to others.
Simply introduce yourself to anyone you can!
You never know if you will have a class with that person. This is how I found study buddies for my classes freshman year. I would meet my roommates or sorority sisters' friends and then recognize them when I had a class with them! A smile and a simple introduction can go a long way in being able to find a familiar face wherever you go.
Be open-minded.
Along with my previous statement, you never know where you may meet someone or run into someone again.
For example, in the classes related to my major, I know I am surrounded by peers who will appear again in my other classes because we are on the same track. Therefore, in these classes, I always try to be outgoing and introduce myself to those around me.
Additionally, I am open minded about opportunities or friendships that could blossom from any situation. I recommend you adapt this, be thankful for the opportunities you have and take advantage of them.
Put yourself out there!
There’s always something happening on campus. You are presented with endless opportunities to meet people. This is where my advice from (https://192.168.7.68/10-tips-for-college-freshman-after-sorority-recruitment/) about saying yes to as many events as possible comes in. In that article, I tell you about learning what life balance works for you and then, within your parameters, saying yes to as much as possible because you have so many incredible opportunities freshman year.
Study together.
If you take my advice and introduce yourself to people in your classes you can eventually ask them to study together! Often having someone to bounce thoughts off of and help figure out problem with is a great way to study. Strike up a conversation with someone in your class or at the library, and suggest a study session over coffee.
Join intramural sports.
Playing a sport all throughout high school and middle school and then transitioning to college where you do not play that sport anymore can be disheartening and challenging. If sports was your thing in high school intramural might be perfect for you!
Intramural sports are normally low time commitment and if you join then you will already have a passion for that sport in common with your other teammates.
Even if you aren’t a seasoned athlete this is still a fun stress reliever and will assist you in developing friendships!
Be intentional with your roommates.
With the business that comes along with college it is so easy to go about your own life only talking to your roommates in passing. Be sure to take advantage of the friendship opportunities around you.
Especially if you live in a dorm, you are surrounded by endless friendship opportunities. Offer to host a movie night, game evening, or simply hang out in common areas to meet your neighbors! Living in a dorm is like living in a mini-community! Your neighbors can quickly become your support system, so make an effort to connect with them. Invite your suitemates to dinner, go grab late night ice cream with your roommate, or offer to buy coffee for the girl down the hall who lent you something.
Again, your friendships will change and grow as you change and grow throughout college! Be kind to everyone you meet. Remember, everyone’s looking to make friends, so take the initiative to say hello first!
Finding your people in college is all about being open, curious, and willing to step out of your comfort zone. So get ready to be bold, have fun, and make connections that could last a lifetime!
I hope this helped!
With Love,
Isabella XO
