College clichés: we’ve all heard them. Phrases such as “the best four years of your life” and “friends that will last a lifetime” are thrown around by parents, teachers, and older siblings on a regular basis. What they don’t tell us, however, is how to have these experiences, and more importantly, how to build these relationships.
Of course, some friendships come easily. Whether you click from the get-go, or establish a bond over time, your roommate (along with your suite mates and floor mates) is the first connection you will make in college. Then there are those people you see everywhere. You meet them during orientation, see them in the DH, and end up having a class with them. How do you go from being acquaintances to good friends?
Listed below are 5 classic scenarios that you are bound to encounter early on during your first year at Emerson, along with suggestions on how to make (and keep) friends in these situations.
1. The awkward elevator ride:
You press the button and wait for the elevator doors to open. You step in, relieved that you have the space to yourself. Just then, someone else hurries through the doors, and you are no longer alone. What do you do? Rather than ignoring them and scrolling through your phone, try saying hello. Introduce yourself, and see how they respond. More often than not, they’ll return the gesture. It may seem simple, but who knows? You could get to talking, and find that you have tons in common. Even if it stops at the introduction, you will most likely see them again, and they’ll remember that you made an effort.
2. Picking partners:
The day will come, probably sooner rather than later, where your professor will ask you to pick a partner for a group project. If you don’t know anyone in your class yet, which is common in a lecture setting, this assignment could cause major anxiety. In an instance like this, it is best to jump right in. Go up to that friendly looking girl or that cute guy, and ask if they want to work with you. Unless they’ve already chosen someone, they won’t say no. By taking that scary first step, you’re guaranteed an instant friend – and someone who you can text if you have a question on the homework.
3. Clubs and organizations:
Hopefully you attended the org fair, and are currently busy looking into several clubs and organizations. Interest and initial meetings are a great place to meet people who you will most likely be working alongside at some point. Introduce yourself to everyone, without being overbearing. Your name will stick with at least a few individuals, and if you decide to get involved with that group, you will already feel comfortable around them.
4. That first party:
You get all dressed up, perfect your makeup, and curl your hair. You double check that you have your keys, ID, and phone, grab your suite mates, and hop on the T. It’s your first college party, and you don’t know what to expect. When you get there, you have two options. You can stick with the friends you came with, smile and nod at strangers, and have an okay time. Or, you can grab one friend and walk around with them, mingling and meeting tons of new people. If you do the latter, you will have a much better experience. Chances are, you’ll see the same people at different parties, and if you talk to them the first time, they’ll want to engage you in conversation again.
5. Fellow floor mates:
Depending on what building you’re in, it can be more or less difficult to be social. Whether you’re in Piano Row or Little Building, however, your floor mates are like built in friends that come with the territory. If you haven’t met them all yet, knock on their doors. If they invite you in, sit down and stay for a little while. Like your roommate and suite mates, your floor mates are constantly around, so take advantage of this fact. Form friendships with them, and they’ll introduce you to others. Before you know it, you’ll have gone from having one or two acquaintances, to being surrounded by a whole group of friends.