Is your excitement after securing college admission waning down because you find making friends in college as a freshman intimidating?
No doubt, making friends as a fresher in college can be daunting, especially when you are surrounded by entirely unknown people in a different environment.
But, one thing is factual.
You can’t do without making friends in college. Making friends in college is an integral and essential part of college life. Also, making friends as a college freshman will help enrich your social life and academic growth.
One more thing.
Making friends as a college freshman is not as menacing as it appears. All you need to do is follow the right strategies.
And that is what this article is set to achieve. We’ll be looking at 15 of the most effective ways in which you can make friends as a college freshman.
One thing is unarguable.
There are enough opportunities to meet new people and build lasting relationships in college.
So, if you are a college freshman looking to make new friends, read on to discover some tried and tested ways of building a social circle that can impact on your stay in college.
Why You Should Make Friends as College Freshman
Are you wondering why you must make friends as a college freshman instead of recoiling in your shell and solely facing your academics?
Studying and making good grades in college is a noble cause, and this article does not downplay that in any way.
But this is what this article is trying to explain.
You will accrue more benefits to your academics and social life when you make the right friends in college as a student. The right friends will help you crush your academic goals easily and faster.
According to life-transition expert Harlan Cohen, author of The Naked Roommate and founder of bestfirstyear.com, “There isn’t a [college] course on making friends, but it’s the most important thing we need to learn how to do.”
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Specifically, making friends as a college freshman has the following highlighted benefits:
It will enhance your academic performance: If you have good friends in college, they can be a source of support, motivation, and accountability, thereby positively impacting your academic performance.
It provides a sense of community: Making friends in college can help you build a sense of community and connection with others, which can be especially important if you are far from home.
It helps you navigate the college experience: Having friends in college can make the transition to college life easier and more enjoyable. They can provide guidance and advice and help you navigate the challenges of college.
It creates lasting relationships: Making friends in college can lead to long-term friendships that can last beyond your college years. These relationships can provide a sense of belonging and support throughout your life.
Your social skills and confidence will Improve: Making friends in college can help you develop and improve your social skills, such as communication and relationship-building. It can also boost your confidence and self-esteem by giving you a sense of belonging and purpose.
It will widen your knowledge horizons: Meeting new people in college can expose you to different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, which can expand your horizons and enrich your learning experience.
15 Most Effective Ways to Make Friends as a College Freshman
- Participate in clubs or organizations that are in line with your interests: This is a great way to find like-minded people and make connections with others who share your passions. Whether it’s a sports team, an academic group, or a social club, joining an organization can help you make friends who have similar interests.
- Attend and take part in campus events and activities: College campuses often host a variety of events and activities, such as concerts, guest lectures, and social gatherings. Attending and participating in these events can be a great way to meet new people and expand your social circle.
- Volunteer or get involved in community service: Not only will your volunteering and community service help you make a positive impact on your community, but it can also be a great way to meet new people and make friends.
- Participate in class and group projects: Collaborating with others on class assignments and group projects can be a great way to get to know your classmates and build friendships.
- Join a study group or find a study partner: Studying with others can be a great way to not only improve your grades but also build relationships with your classmates.
- Join a sports team or take a fitness class: Participating in physical activity can be a great way to meet new people and make friends, especially if you enjoy sports or fitness.
7. Go to parties and social events: While it’s important to be safe and make intelligent choices, attending parties and social events can be a great way to meet new people and have fun.
8. Get involved in your residence hall or dorm: Many colleges have a variety of programs and activities for students living in dorms, such as movie nights, game nights, and group outings. Getting involved in these activities can be a great way to make friends with your fellow residents.
9. Participate in intramural sports: Intramural sports are a great way to get involved in athletics without the commitment of a varsity team. Plus, they can be a lot of fun and a great way to make friends.
10. Attend religious services or join a faith-based organization: If you’re religious, attending services or joining a faith-based organization can be a great way to connect with others who share your beliefs and values.
11. Join a Greek organization: If you’re interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, this can be a great way to make friends and become involved on campus.
12. Take a trip or join a travel group: Many colleges offer opportunities for students to travel, either domestically or internationally. Taking a trip or joining a travel group can be a great way to make friends and have new experiences.
13. Utilize social media: While it’s important to balance your time online and offline, social media can be a great way to connect with others and make new friends.
14. Be open and approachable: One of the best ways to make friends is simply to be open and approachable. Smile, make eye contact, and be willing to strike up a conversation with others.
15. Step outside your comfort zone: Making friends can be intimidating but don’t be afraid to take chances and put yourself out there. You never know who you might meet or what friendships you might build.
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What to Look Out For Before You make friends as a College Freshman.
Making friends in college as a freshman can make or mar your academic goals, depending on the kinds of friends choose while in college. There’s a popular saying that goes thus: ”Show me with whom you go and I will tell you who you are”. A friend of a lazy or procrastinating student may become lazy or procrastinating.
According to helpguide.org, ”Good friends relieve stress, provide comfort and joy, and prevent loneliness and isolation. Developing close friendships can also have a powerful impact on your physical health. Lack of social connection may pose as much of a risk as smoking, drinking too much, or leading a sedentary lifestyle”.
Friendships have a tremendous impact on your mental health and happiness. So, to make good friends that will draw you closer to achieving your academic goals, expand your horizon and build your confidence, there are some vital factors to consider. Among them include:
- Compatibility: Look for people who share your interests and values.
- Trustworthiness: Choose friends who are reliable and trustworthy.
- Respect: Look for friends who respect your boundaries and treat you with kindness.
- Similar goals: If you have similar goals and aspirations, it can help to strengthen your friendship and support each other in achieving your objectives.
- Positive influence: Surround yourself with friends who are positive and uplifting.
- Good communication: Choose friends who are good listeners and who you feel comfortable talking to about your thoughts and feelings.
- Sense of humor: Having friends who can make you laugh and who have a similar sense of humor can be a lot of fun.
- Supportive nature: Look for friends who are supportive and willing to help you out when you need it.
- Similar lifestyle: If you have similar schedules and preferences, it can make it easier to spend time together and make plans.
- Respect for diversity: Choose friends who respect and appreciate people from different backgrounds and experiences. This will help to create a more inclusive and welcoming environment.
Conclusion
Starting college can be a challenging experience when it comes to making friends. However, there are many effective ways to build a social circle and make lasting connections.
Some of the most effective ways to make friends as a college freshman include joining a club or organization that aligns with your interests, attending campus events and activities, volunteering or getting involved in community service, participating in class and group projects, joining a study group or finding a study partner, joining a sports team or taking a fitness class, going to parties and social events, getting involved in your residence hall or dorm, participating in intramural sports, attending religious services or joining a faith-based organization, joining a Greek organization, taking a trip or joining a travel group, utilizing social media, being open and approachable, and stepping outside your comfort zone.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can make meaningful connections and build a strong network of friends during your time in college.
Lastly, while it’s important to make friends as a college freshman, care should be taken when choosing your friends. The kind of friends you keep in college will determine how far you go with your academic pursuit and life in the future.