How To Make Friends in College
Friends play a major role in our lives. Some childhood friends hold a very special place in our hearts. We all make new friends along the way and deepen our friendship with the existing ones. Friendship is one of the loveliest relationships in the world. A good and sincere friend makes our life better by just being in it.
Friendship is something that just ‘happens’ but in order to keep it one has to put in the effort. These efforts cultivate the love between friends making them even closer to one another. Once we enter college, one of our biggest worries is to find good people, with whom we can cultivate our love and friendship.
Finding friends is not a tough job. All it requires you to be smart enough to attract the right people in your life. Good friends are the ones who match your mindset, personality traits, and interests. Research has shown that friendship proves to be a great support in life.
In this guide, we will explore some effective strategies that we can use to attract the right kind of people into our lives. So let’s get started!
Once you enter college, your first step needs to look for places where you can find potential friends. A large number of events and occasions take place in college that can give you the opportunity to socialize with people.
Below are some of the prominent places in college where you can meet people who match your interests and personality traits. Do keep these places in mind if you want to make good friends in college. Selection of these places may vary according to your preferences as some people like musical concerts instead of group study sessions.
In fact, your selection of the place to find friends in college will play a major role in attracting the people who match your personality, interests, likes and dislikes.
Campus events
You can look for campus events to meet new people. Several parties, concerts, and other events that match your preferences can be great tools to socialize with new people. Campus events can benefit both extroverts and introverts to get to meet people matching their personalities.
Social media has proven to be a great support in this regard. Campus events are advertised on on-campus social media pages. The real challenge is deciding which ones to attend, as there is probably something going on every night of the week.
Campus classes
Classes at college also give a great opportunity to make new friends. Some lectures are better in providing chances to socialize with classmates. Lectures that offer group projects work better in this regard because they give you more time to talk than a lecture class.
Informal hangouts
This may sound like a broader one but it is a good place to find new people for friendship. What is great about casual hangouts is that they give you plenty of time to talk and get to know people.
Informal hangouts are also great at cultivating existing friendships. Such hangouts allow you to spend some quality time with your friends, nurturing the bond and making some everlasting memories.
Campus sports events
Many colleges arrange sports activities and events. These activities happen throughout the college year. In fact, these events let sports lovers sit together, and share their sports experiences and achievements. You can also join a sports club to find athletic friends.
Campus jobs
A campus job can not only bring you some extra money but can also give you a chance to make ambitious friends. You can consult an international student advisor to find a good campus job for yourself. It will enhance your resume and helps you get a handsome job once you will enter the corporate sector.
Group study
Whether you need a little extra help in class or just prefer learning with friends, indulging in group studies is never a bad option. Group studies are also a great way to enhance your grades in college exams.
How to make a smooth transition from college mates to close friends?
Now that, you have explored the potential places in college where you can find friends. It is time for you to look into the strategies that can help you get closer to your college mates. You need to look for ways to socialize and spend time with your newly made college friends.
Going out and meeting people is a good way to sharpen your social skills and broaden your network, but keep it small when it comes to making new friends. This is especially true if you are an introvert who finds social interactions mentally draining. Spend quality time with the person you see as a potential friend and gradually open up to them.
If things are going well, you can take things to the ‘next level’ i.e. deepen and cultivate your friendship.
How to strengthen your friendship in college?
Friendship needs time and attention. Spend time with your college friend on daily basis. Try doing all things together. Friendships always deepen when you put in your time and effort.
Remember, friendship always gets deepened when you open up and share your secrets with one another. Those who share stuff have a deeper connection that automatically leads to everlasting relationships.
Last but not the least, make friends your priority. Once you get the right ones, just hold onto them. Your college experience is critical. As a result, you should spend time with people who value your unique qualities, as they will be the primary motivators in developing long-lasting friendships. Be yourself. Your authentic self will bring the right people into your life.
Making friends in college doesn’t mean you are required to play hard all the time. With the right mindset, a little effort, and the strategies mentioned above you can surely make some good friends in college. Be proactive and don’t be afraid to reach out — your social calendar will quickly fill up!
