If you are not a first-year student, new to the college scene and constantly meeting new people, you might wonder if your window for making friends has closed. Thankfully, I’m here to tell you that is never the case. Yes, everyone in their first year is new at the same time, and are more likely to be searching for friends, but just because you are a second, third, or even fourth year student at college does not mean that you are out of luck. To some, this thinking could seem silly, but I have met so many students who unfortunately feel discouraged to venture out and make new friends after the first year. The issue seems to lie with the assumption that everyone has their set group of friends. If you meet someone new and they are giving off that vibe, I can assure you that they are not your person. People who act cliquey and are not inclusive of others are not the kind of people that you should want to surround yourself with. Trust me, kind people exist who are more than happy to have another person join their friend group; you just need to find them.
Go to places that interest you, and you will naturally find others with similar interests who you’ll end up clicking with. If you’re not the party type, don’t go to a party just because you think that’s how you can make friends. I’m sure you would meet some interesting people, but you’re better off finding people who like what you like. Common interests are where it all starts. Joining clubs and attending activities on campus is another wonderful way to meet new people. There are so many amazing clubs and organizations at Millersville that you are sure to find one that suits you! Try out as many things as you can, then narrow it down to what works for you and what doesn’t. I’m sure you’d rather look back on your college years knowing that you went for as many opportunities that came your way instead of sitting back and letting time pass you by. It never hurts to try, so get out there and give it a shot!
If you don’t want to join anything, that’s okay too! At the end of the day, being involved in something does not have to make or break you. As students and as human beings, we all get up each day and want to be accepted, appreciated, respected, to be heard and seen, and loved. You’ll find your people no matter what. It might not be today, or next week, but trust me when I say that it’ll happen. Like with some of the best things in life, it can happen when you least expect it.
On the other side of this coin, if you’re a first-year student and are struggling to make friends, your time will come too! Some people don’t meet their best friends until they’re upperclassmen. Everyone is on their own timeline in college. Your life is your own, and it doesn’t need to resemble the “stereotypical college life” that you often see portrayed in the movies or on social media. Don’t trust other people’s highlight reels online. There’s no deadline for making friends, when you can join things, or anything else in college (or even in life for that matter). It’s never too late to put yourself out there, so start today. Good luck!
HCXO,
Kaitlyn