Not all your friends during your college years will be classmates or club members. There are other opportunities to develop relationships during your college years, including:
How To Make Friends at College Dorms
A simple way of making friends and meeting new people is to introduce yourself to the people who live in your building and in your hall. Say hello and introduce yourself to other people passing in the hallway; they may end up becoming your new best friend. If you are nervous about how to make friends in college as an introvert, simply start by getting to know your roommates better.
Meeting New People Through Sports
In addition to attending sporting events on campus, you might consider participating. If you are someone who enjoys playing sports, then this is another great way to make friends who share similar interests. Join intramural sports and meet people who like to play the same sports that you do.
Some of the intramural sports available during the fall at GCU are:
- Flag football
- Indoor volleyball
- Spikeball
- 3-on-3 basketball
- Ultimate frisbee
Some of the spring intramural sports offered at GCU are:
- Indoor basketball
- 16-inch softball
- Soccer
- Sand volleyball
Intramurals are a great way to have fun and meet new people who enjoy the same things you do.
Make Friends at Your College Job
Another way to meet new people and make friends is by getting a job on campus. If you have a job, you probably interact with people on a regular basis, and getting to know your coworkers is another way to form friendships.
Through courteous socialization and checking in with your coworkers, you can find companionship within the workplace. Becoming friends with coworkers often makes work more enjoyable, and you can get together outside of work. There are multiple student worker jobs to choose from.
Church and Bible Study
In addition to the opportunities at GCU, faith-based groups, such as churches and Bible studies, are great places to find connections and friendships. These places usually bring together people with similar values who care about supporting one another. There are often young adult or college groups available where you can connect with people.
Make an Effort to Become Friends With Roommates
If you have roommates, you likely have plenty of opportunities to forge new friendships. Since you live together, you may spend a lot of time together already. Make an effort to get to know them and establish a friendship early on. This can create a better home environment and open communication to reduce the potential for conflicts. Making your roommate feel appreciated and spending time together outside the dorm or apartment can go a long way in developing these friendships.
Remember to Connect With Family
Don’t forget to stay connected with your family while you’re working on making new friends in college. Family is a valid way to connect with others and feel supported as you go on your education journey. Calling and talking to family can help remind you of the bigger picture when you get stressed. It can remind you there is someone supporting you.
These are just a few good ways to meet people in college. Try not to worry if it takes a while to make friends or if the first group you find is not the right fit for you. Finding true friends can take time, and everything you try is a learning experience or a seed planted.
