How did you make friends in College / University?

[AKRedRider1216]

I know it's an easy thing to do... Or it was before I graduated.
I had no idea how different college was from high school. Add any cool College stories if you wish. :)

[WindAtMyBack]

I went to an out-of-town college and lived in a dorm. So initially most of the people I met were in the dorm. After a while I started meeting friends of friends outside the dorm. My first friend was the guy who moved into the dorm room next to me. I saw him moving into the dorm and asked if he needed any help. I helped him move in and we remained friends as long as I was at that college.

I also saw a bunch of guys playing in a semi-organized soccer game. I asked if I could play and they let me. So I met some people that way.

I also met people as lab partners in lab classes and through study groups. I recommend study groups for both academic and social reasons.

I was also a tutor and met people that way. A couple of them ended up being friends.

One thing that is VERY important when starting college. Pick your friends wisely. Don't just hang out with whoever is available. Pick good friends who will help you and prop you up, not friends who have bad habits and will bring you down. This is an important time of your life. The friends you choose can have a big impact on the direction your life takes.

[AKRedRider1216]

This was really great to hear. I also have a lab class but everyone in my program is +20 ish years older than me. I still made friends with a few but it's harder to connect.
Thank you for your story and advice!

[WindAtMyBack]

Why is everyone so much older than you? Is it a night class?

Yea, at your age it might be harder to connect with them. But you can still learn from them. They might not be the kind of people you want to hang out with, but on the other hand they've been out in the world for a while and know why they are at college and know what they want to get out of it. A lot of young people are more interested in partying than in education. ( I admit that I was guilty of that when I first went to college. )

[FilmGuy93]

Most of the people I know who held onto their college friends met them in the dorms in freshman year and they just stuck together. I didn't make friends, honestly. I also jumped around a lot of different campuses though, so my experience was a little bit weird.

[DeeDeeDeVour]

I was concentrating on learning. Therefore, I wasn't seeking a social life. However, I was very inquisitive. That attitude prompted me to ask a lot of questions. Apparently, lots of people like people who are confident enough to ask questions and engage in debates. I may have turned off some people but I also attracted some people, like myself, who like productive discussions.

[Guccigabbana18]

Usually through my first year flatmates (I'm in the UK.) I was lucky that I met some people I really clicked with in my flat and in my accommodation. I also met some great friends through my part-time job (but they were also at uni) and through clubs and societies.

[Telekinetic-Potato]

Just talk to people. Ask classmates for notes or if they got a good or bad score on the last assignment (start a conversation about the teacher) continue a discussion from during class.

I used to have a little group that would meet up in the cafeteria and then people would see our group and truly to hang out with us.

Just be outgoing and up for anything. People will feed off your energy.

[menina]

I met some during classes while working with them. I met a girl while I was trying to get into theatre classes. One in a party and others by mutual friends.

[AKRedRider1216]

Oh I would love to join theater classes! That's a great idea.

[menina]

You should! In my case it wasn't a good experience because the teacher was awful and stupid. But for you it must go well. 😊

[SeriouslyFunny00]

I'm kinda quiet in class, but I was usually the one being approached. I also made friends by asking something about the subject, or participating in group activities/research.

[MrTaboo]

Say hi. Find people that like the same things as you.

[AKRedRider1216]

I don't know who to talk to say hi to. My options are mostly people walking down the halls.
I heard friends are made in your program normally (I don't live in the dorms) but everyone in my classes are 20ish years older than me.

[jennifer_bloom]

I was confident, outgoing and obsessed with grades so people came to me for friendship but I did not make any close friends because I was so busy with school.

[ArrowheadSW]

Living in a co-ed dorm really helped me make friends. I am still in touch with some of them to this day.

[AKRedRider1216]

Oh how I constantly wish I lived on-campus. :'/

[Avicenna]

It was easy to make friends with classmates and people I met through extracurricular activities.

[AKRedRider1216]

What kind of activities or clubs did you join?

[Avicenna]

I did some student government related stuff, Chess Club, German Club

[BarryLiverstone]

Mainly from going to parties or through classes and in the dorms. Are you living in the dorms?

[AKRedRider1216]

No, sadly I don't. How do you even manage to get invited to parties when you don't have any friends?

[BarryLiverstone]

Well for me I knew people in my computer classes as a freshman so asked which dorm they lived in. lol little did I know that dorm hosted a big party that night

[zagor]

In my experience, immensely easier than in HS. Especially if you live on campus.

[Anonymous]

Oh my girl I have secrets sexual stories of my college days...🙈

[TrueConfection]

Joined Greek life.

[AKRedRider1216]

Um.. what's that?

[TrueConfection]

Fraternities for guys and Sororities for girls.

[LavLavLuv]

i just talk to them 💀

[AKRedRider1216]

😂 good for you girl!👍

[Calenderagressive]

College is for rich people which i am not