Can you offer any advice for making friends mid-year at college?
Asked by
Mariah (
25883
)
July 15th, 2011
I’m on a temporary medical leave from college while I get surgery, and my goal was to be healed up and ready to go back for the beginning of the year, but that is starting to look very unlikely, and it seems I will be returning mid-year, either in October or January (quarter schedule).
From the small amount of college I have experienced, I know that at the beginning of the year, most freshmen are actively pushing themselves out of their comfort zones to be friendly and meet new people. But after a few weeks, they have made friends, they’re content, and most stop actively seeking new buddies. I’m concerned that by arriving midyear, it’s going to be a lot harder for me to make friends. Does anyone have any similar experiences to share, or if not, any advice on what I can do to make friends?
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8 Answers
One good friend is better than 100 Facebook friends . It isn’t a numbers game.
When I was a junior in college I transferred to a different school, and had no problem making new friends. The trick was to talk to people before and after classes, joining groups of people with similar interests, all that stuff you do as a freshman. People tend to be glad to see new faces. you’ll do fine…
Let me echo what Jill said. Reach out and talk to people sitting next to you in class. Join an interest group” a book or music club or something else.
@johnpowell Of course. I don’t think I said I was looking for a lot of friends, nor superficial friendships.
@JilltheTooth That’s good to hear. I definitely think I’ve had many misconceptions about college over the years, most of which were cleared up by my short experience, but as I wasn’t there long I’m sure I still have many. Every time I have expressed concern about social aspects of college, people usually tell me that my worries are silly because college isn’t really the way I think it is. I’m sure this is just another one of those times, and that people will welcome me and be friendly just the same. If it does turn out to be difficult, your and @marinelife‘s suggestions will probably do the trick. When I was at college I met one friend through a campus event, another friend in class, and through the two of them I met all the rest of the people I hung out during the quarter.
@KatawaGrey made a bunch of friends her first day at college because her hair was a color not found in nature. If that doesn’t indicate that anything can happen, I don’t know what does!
Check out a couple student group meetings. Don’t necessarily join, but if there are groups that interest you go to a meeting or two and see if the people are cool.
Take time and invest in good friendships. The quality is given by the situation you guys face. Do activities outside the college premise. Sports or concerts or even movies can bring new conversations into the picture.
Talk to people, try not to come off creapy or weird, I talk to complete strangers and get tied up in conversations you wouldn’t believe. You will be surprised how fast you will become friends.
When you pass someone just say ” How ya doing ” ” good morning, afternnoon whatever, hold the door for people etc. GOOD LUCK!!
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