Trying to balance your social life while in school can be difficult but it’s even more challenging here at Georgia Tech. When I came here, I started in the summer before the academic year started, through a program called Challenge. Through it, I met plenty of incoming freshmen and got to make new friends.
However, not all students get to participate in summer pre-college programs and are not always fortunate enough to come into college knowing people. I would encourage anyone looking for ways to make relationships in college to join academic clubs and associations and create relationships with new people over the same majors or minors.
Since my minor is psychology, I decided to join the psychology association. Not only are these clubs a great way to meet people but they can also help you to prepare yourself academically and professionally and to navigate your way through Georgia Tech.
Joining different sports teams is another easy way to make friends. There’s tons of students interested in sports but many of us don’t have the time to completely commit. Intramural and club teams are a great way to tap into your interests without making a huge time commitment.
Sports are also a great way to stay active and learn how to collaborate with others. Georgia Tech has tons of club and intramural teams, even during the pandemic, so I’d suggest that people check these out but remember to stay safe!
Finally, there are organizations you can join that focus specifically on your hobbies, removed from an academic or competitive environment. We have a choir, drama club, volunteering clubs, religious organizations and so much more.
This is a well fitting option for people who might be uncomfortable with making friends on their own but want to find a way to get away from the rigorous academics of our college. Joining these types of clubs allows you to not only make friends but also possibly gain a mentor or two and having these relationships that can last a life-time.
There are times where a break from school or work is much needed and I often spend my free time with my friends. I know that not everyone is an extrovert and has a large circle of friends but I do think it is important to at least have one or two people you can call or text when you need them! No matter what you do, try to become more socially active and get out of your comfort zone, you won’t regret it!