Have you ever seen a poster for a social event or club being hosted by your school and realized you have no one to go with? Did you decide not to go because going by yourself would be too awkward and you wouldn’t have anyone to talk to? Well I’m here to tell you that that’s not true.
Being in a new place with new people is scary, there is no doubt about that. Entering college is so much different than anything else you’ve experienced. Before I started college I really had no idea what it would actually be like and I had anxieties about it. I used to not be a social person—I kept the same friends I made in elementary school and figured that that was enough. We scheduled our classes together, ate lunch together, did activities, and hung out after school. But this was in high school where we had 2000 kids meanwhile KU has a little under 20,000. And I was worried because even with people telling me that it’s easy making friends in college I had many concerns. But I realized we shouldn’t be ashamed because we have fears or anxieties because in reality most people I’ve asked felt the exact same way, it’s just that no one is showing it.
When I first started college three years ago I moved in with some people I knew from high school because I wanted people around that I could talk to just in case I didn’t make friends in any of my classes, but it turns out being alone motivated me to go out and talk and make friends. Because I lived with people I knew I didn’t feel the need to schedule classes with them and that is probably one of the best choices I’ve made while in school. Knowing this forced me to talk to people I probably wouldn’t have paid attention to if I had my friend sitting next to me. And the people I’ve met in these classes have become some of my closest friends. In a research article conducted by The Daily Iowan “79 percent of college graduates found their closest friends in college.” This article also explains that this is one of the last chances people have to make friends because of how many people are in proximity to themselves. And I think that’s true.
College in my mind is a lot like elementary school— back then you would just ask someone to play during recess and become best friends for the next decade and now you can just ask someone what they’re doing after class and if they want to come to a club meeting or fair with you. Simple questions can develop life long friendships. It’s not just in class though, it’s going out of your comfort zone because even if you don’t enjoy the activities and don’t want to come back it’s a time to socialize, find people to bond with, and try something new. I feel that gaining friendships is one of the biggest parts of college because these are the people you call when you’re having a rough time, when you need help in class but don’t feel comfortable asking your professor, these are the people who will be your support system for the next four year and in some cases they will be your support system for a lifetime.
