8 Ways to Make Friends in College

I am sure a lot of you out there starting college for the first time, or even transferring schools are a little worried about making friends. There are lots of great people out there with similar interests as you, just have to find them. Here are a few places to find friends in college.

Facebook

I am not saying this ia the #1 way to make friends, but Facebook has a feature where you can add classes that you took and then see who else is taking those classes. Add your classmates to your friend's list. A few people might wonder who you are, so it could be best for you to show up to class a few times and get to know faces and names. Sometimes the class list on Facebook is out of date.

Cafeteria

This is a good place to find people to sit with. Try to find a crowded area in the cafeteria and ask people if you can sit next to them. You'd be surprised how outgoing a lot of people are and interested in getting to know new people.

Clubs and Groups

There are a lot of clubs and organizations in college. Look up what ones are at your school and join them. The club may end up not being for you, but you may love it. Not only is this a good way to explore things you enjoy but also meeting new people.

Show Up for Class

You won't meet people sleeping in through your class time. If you show up to class regularly and contribute to class discussion occasionally, people will have an easier time getting to know what you're all about and perhaps even feel more comfortable coming up to you to talk, even if it's just to ask you a question. If students have never seen you there before, they will realize that you are a skipper and will have no reason to ask you if the assignment is due tomorrow, because chances are if you are never there, you probably won't know.

Live on Campus Your First Year or Two

You may hate the idea of the whole dorm room scene. Even if you only decide to live there for one semester, it is encouraged that if you really want to meet people to live on campus. Not only should you live on campus, but also keep your door open once in a while so people feel welcome to greet you. Believe it or not, a lot of people like to pop in and introduce themselves the first week of school. This is a great way to meet new faces.

You don't have to stay in the dorms for long, but it's a good way to get your foot in the door and make a few contacts.

Also there are occasional dorm room activities that your Resident Assistant may start up. I don't say you have to go to all of them, but a few would also help meeting new people.

Job

If some of these aren't your cup of tea, getting a job is another way to make friends in the area. Getting an on campus job will help you make college friends, but getting a job anywhere will help you make both college friends and those that just live in the area.

Be Unique and Be Yourself

Be true to who you are. This is the time to find yourself and not have to worry about what others think of you. If you like making your own clothes, but don't think someone will appreciate it, do it anyway. Someone will for sure. If you like being a photographer, get outside and take pictures. There may be someone out there that'll stop you and tell you how much they like photography too.

Host Events

If you are outgoing enough then perhaps host your own events. Put a note on your door with updates of something you plan on doing. Perhaps you want to have a "Girl's Chick Flick Night - Bring Popcorn" or "Halo Tournament at 7"

People might not come, but then they might too.

A lot of people are in the same boat as you when they go to college. You may think at first every one knows each other, but not every one does. Some people just either know each other from high school or the year before.

It isn't so bad making new friends in college. It's a lot of fun and there are a lot of interesting people out there to meet.