5 Ways to Make College Friends
Friends studying
As a recent college graduate, I know firsthand how tough it can be to make friends in college, even though it’s full of people. I’m a bit more reserved, so finding “my people” was definitely a challenge. My younger brother, who’s very social, recently shared that he’s struggling with this too, which surprised me. Several students, even outgoing ones, face the same thing. Here are five recommendations that helped me (or that I’ve shared with others) for making friends in college:
1. Join a Club or Organization
This might seem obvious, but with so many options, it’s hard to know where to start! I suggest joining two types of clubs:
A Career-Related Club: Joining a club connected to your major or career goals (like a pre-med or business group) is a great way to meet people in your classes and build connections in your field.
A Just-for-Fun Club: Pick something purely for enjoyment, whether it’s dance, writing, or even a unique interest like a cosplay club. When you follow what you love, you’ll meet people with the same passions, making it easier to form genuine friendships.
2. Hang Out with People You See in Office Hours
I spent a lot of time in office hours, so if that’s something you do, look around! I often saw the same people each week, and we shared a common goal: doing well in class. Gradually, I got to know some of them, and they turned into friendships (or, at least, reliable study buddies). If you’re already in the same place every week, it’s an easy way to connect.
3. Join a Religious Group (If It’s Meaningful to You)
I didn’t do this myself, but I saw friends benefit from joining religious groups on campus. If faith is important to you, being part of a faith-based organization can offer a supportive community where you can worship and connect with people who share your beliefs. Many of these groups also do volunteer work, which is a great way to bond with others.
4. Greek Life Isn’t as Intimidating as It Seems
Joining Greek life can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a first-generation student like me. My experience with rushing was fast-paced and nerve-wracking, but I took a leap of faith, and it turned out to be a great decision (proudly part of Lambda Theta Alpha). My advice to my brother, and anyone interested, is to take your time meeting people in different fraternities or sororities to see if you feel comfortable. There’s no actual rush if you’re not ready.
5. Reach Out to Classmates
If the person next to you in class seems friendly, don’t hesitate to ask for their number to share notes. I only did this once (maybe thanks to extra caffeine that day!), but it was a great decision. Two girls sitting near me, Jasmine, who wore a pretty bandana, and Misheel, who had cute glasses, seemed nice, so I asked for their numbers in case we ever needed to catch up on notes. Jasmine eventually became my roommate, and by the end of the semester, we were grabbing food together to celebrate finals!
So get out there and meet some people, I promise it'll be worth it in the long run. It takes time to meet people and even more time to form long-lasting friendships.
