Did you know that around forty-five percent of Americans say that they struggle to make new friends?
That’s not surprising. Making friends with people at any point in your life is never easy.
However, when you go to college, you’ll suddenly find making friends much easier than ever before.
You’re surrounded by people the same age as you and everyone is desperate to make connections with other people.
But, remember, when you’re at college, you need to focus on getting good grades as well. That’s why you’re there after all.
But, making friends doesn’t have to come at the cost of making friends in college. Check out how to make friends in college below!
1. Don’t be Scared to be Yourself
You’re starting college where nobody knows you. This could be your opportunity to carve out a new identity for yourself.
You can be someone else for the first time in your life. What about giving yourself a new nickname? Or, maybe you think of dressing in a whole new style.
But, actually, you shouldn’t try to be anyone but yourself. People can quickly spot if you’re pretending.
Authentically being yourself and showing self-confidence is a much better way to make new friends when you’re in college.
There is always going to be someone else at college that you have things in common with. Whatever your niche interest, there’s someone else who shares it.
2. Spend Time With Your Dormmates
You’re not the only college freshman who is eager to meet new people. Everyone’s desperate to make friends.
That’s why you should spend time with other people in your dorm. Not just your roommate, but everyone!
Is there a common room in your dorm? Hang out there until you start to get to know others in your building.
Remember, everyone’s going through the same experience. This is your opportunity to meet some people who live across the hall from you.
This will save you from going out every time you want to socialize. Your buddies will be in the dorm next door instead of across town.
3. Say “Yes” to Everything
When you start college, you’re going to be asked to go along to a countless number of random events. It’s tempting to turn them down!
Have your dormmate asked you to join the college skiing club with them? Has your course buddy suggested signing up for French classes?
There is always something new to do while you’re a college student. Practice saying “yes” to every offer will quickly increase the number of people that you meet while you’re in college.
4. Simply Become More Interesting
People want to be friends with interesting people. So, you need to become more interesting if you want to make friends at college.
This doesn’t mean you need to become someone you’re not. Just learn how to have something interesting to say to other people.
Interesting people are always learning. Spend time in the college library reading about the world and take extra classes to improve your knowledge.
You’ll find that people will be attracted to you as a friend if you actually have the ability to talk about almost anything.
5. Ask Other People Questions
Nobody wants to be friends with someone who constantly talks about themselves. This is boring and exhausting after a while.
If you find yourself doing this, don’t be surprised if nobody wants to meet up with your next time. That’s why you need to ask other people questions.
When you take an interest in other people’s lives, they take note of what kind of person you are. Asking interesting questions helps!
This is really important if you want to make connections with people while you’re in college. Not everyone has learned the art of conversation yet.
6. Eat Your Meals With People
The average person eats approximately 387 meals by themselves every year. This is extremely damaging to your social life.
You shouldn’t be eating alone. Find any opportunity to eat your meals with other people.
Invite an acquaintance round to your place to enjoy a meal together. Ask someone out for dinner who you wouldn’t normally.
Eating food together has always been a lively and enjoyable way for humans to make connections and enjoy each other’s company.
7. Lower Your Expectations of College
College can be the most amazing years of your life. But, that doesn’t mean that you can’t raise your expectations beyond reality.
Making new friends can always be tough. You need to navigate through awkward conversations and embarrassing social encounters with people.
You’re probably not going to immediately bump into your best friends for the rest of your life. It could take time before you meet “your people.”
That’s why lowering your expectations can help. This will stop you from getting too frustrated when you start college.
How to Make Friends in College That Last a Lifetime?
Are you excited about starting college this year? Many people end up making friends for life while they’re studying at college.
But, that doesn’t mean that learning how to make friends in college is always easy. Developing bonds with other people doesn’t keep simply to other people.
By following our tips for making friends, you can make sure you take advantage of any opportunity to make friends at college.
Do you want to discover more helpful advice about starting college? Check out our blog for everything you need to know about embarking on your journey into adulthood.