Life can get incredibly chaotic in university, and we often end up focusing inward—my studies, my job, my sports, my passions. We’re constantly on the go, and when things finally slow down, we sometimes realize how few people we actually interact with. Making friends isn’t as easy as it was in high school, where you could chat with classmates every day or text friends after school to hang out just a few streets away. Now, maintaining a social life takes real effort and intention. Having the skill to stay social is huge. As someone who truly values connection, here are the ways I made new friends during my freshman year of university—and how I stay in touch with my high school friends throughout the year.
To make new friends at university, you really have to put yourself out there. Meeting people isn’t the hard part—it’s finding the right group for you that can be challenging. Personally, as someone who doesn’t enjoy going out and partying much, I found that this limited my opportunities to meet like-minded people. Because of that, I had to get creative and find different ways to connect with others.
Participating in your university’s Frosh Week is a crucial way to meet people in your program. Choose activities that genuinely interest you, and you’ll naturally find people with similar personalities and interests. You’ll meet future classmates, connections, and even close friends. Talk to everyone you can and don’t be afraid to exchange social media to stay in touch. Great conversation starters include asking about their major, where they’re from (since not everyone is local!), or even comparing class schedules. You never know—one of these conversations could turn into a lifelong friendship.
If large events aren’t really your thing and you prefer one-on-one interactions, try sitting next to someone new during your first class and offering a genuine compliment. That’s exactly what I did, and it turned into a friendship that lasted all year. You instantly gain a classmate and a built-in friend—best of both worlds.
Finally, if you’re looking to build a close-knit group, joining a club is a great option. Clubs bring together people who already share a common interest, making conversations feel more natural and meaningful. You’ll meet people from different backgrounds, majors, and even age groups, allowing you to form friendships while also finding mentors along the way.
Even though meeting new people at university is incredibly important, maintaining those meaningful friendships from your high school years is just as essential. A lot of my friends moved away to schools farther from home, which was definitely really sad at first. Still, there are so many creative ways to stay connected with your girls without needing to talk 24/7—because losing touch is, sadly, way too easy.
One of the best ways I’ve stayed in touch is by scheduling a weekly or biweekly FaceTime catch-up. Mine is every Thursday night at 8 p.m., without fail. Having a set time makes it something we both look forward to, and it gives us space to share updates, laugh, and truly stay involved in each other’s lives.
Another cute and low-effort way to keep in touch is by sharing an app like Locket. It lets you send little photo updates throughout the day, making you feel connected even during the busiest weeks—without the pressure of constant texting.
Another important way to maintain these friendships is to make an effort to meet up during school breaks or whenever everyone comes back to your hometown. Whether it’s grabbing coffee, going for a walk, or having a cozy night in, spending time together in person helps strengthen the bond and reminds you why these friendships are so special. Even if it’s only a few times a year, those moments of reconnection make all the difference and keep the friendship feeling close despite the distance.
At the end of the day, university is all about growth—academically, personally, and socially. Learning how to make new friends while also holding onto the ones who have been with you since the beginning isn’t always easy, but it’s so worth it. Friendships don’t have to look the same as they did in high school to still be meaningful. With a little effort, intention, and creativity, it’s possible to build new connections while keeping old ones strong. No matter where university takes you, having people to laugh with, lean on, and grow alongside makes the journey that much more special.