College Advice: How to Make Friends

It’s like you’ve entered a foreign land. You probably know like one or two people from your school here, but you don’t really talk to them. I know how you feel because I’ve felt the exact same way. Don’t worry. I’ll give you various situations where you should mingle or people you should mingle with. 

Clubs

No, I’m not talking about nightclubs where people dance. I’m talking about students who share the same interest as you. If you’re passionate about service, join a service club. If you want feel strongly about the environment, join an environmental group. Everyone in that club has at least one similar interest with you. Start off by saying “Hi! My name is _________” followed with a “What made you interested in joining this club?” Keep the conversation going for at least five minutes. After that, you can either choose to break off to talk to someone else or continue talking to the same person. 

Parties

One of the hotspots to meet new people. First task is to find a really fun party! When you get there, chill and have a drink with people. Be sure to be fun, friendly, and confident! Try to make an impression on everybody you meet. If you get drunk, you’ve already failed because the only thing you’ll remember the next day is your massive hangover.  

Dorm/ Apartment

If your apartment or dorm has an event, celebration, or party, go to them! You’ll meet a lot of people in your area! Get to know as many as you can. If you meet someone in the same class, you just made an instant friend. Ask if you guys can travel together to get to class. Most people accept! This is how I met some really great friends. This place is great to meet people because if you meet one person here, chances are high that you will meet all the people in their apartment as well. 

Class

In my college newspaper, this was voted as the best place to meet people and I agree! You can meet people before class and get to know them. Again, be friendly and keep them interested in what you have to say. Start off by saying asking them a question and gauge how responsive they are. If they appear to be very responsive, continue the conversation. After talking to them for a while, ask them about a possible study session together. I’ve never heard of anyone saying no to that offer. 

Board/ Card Games

I’ve made and bonded with tons of people over board games. You get to know how people act based off how they play the game. Invite people around your house, apartment, or floor to come play! Everyone always has a great time playing games with each other! Team games are also great because you’re “forced” to team up with a person to win a game. Who knows? You may get teamed up with that really cute person you’ve wanted to talk to this whole time. I recommend games such as Bang!, Munchkins, Thirteen/Big Two, or Cards Against Humanity (adult game).

Besides the possibilities I have listed above, there’s millions of random possibilities of how you will meet people. I met a friend who helped open a door for me and we both discovered we were in three classes together! I can’t be there to be your wingman when you meet people, but I believe you have the confidence you need to meet new people! Just start off by saying “Hi!”