Let’s face it: by the time you are an upperclassman on campus, you usually have your friend group locked down. But that doesn’t mean that you should limit yourself to those friends for the rest of you college career. Here are five ways that you can continue to make friends even after the craziness that is freshman year.
1. Join an organization in your career field
This is honestly the most efficient way to make friends. As long as you are involved in your org, you form friendships pretty quickly. Be sure to talk to new people at meeting, participate in bonding events and go out of your way to be involved. This way you meet like-minded individuals who have similar goals as you, so y’all can work towards them together.
2. Volunteer your time
This is a way to make friends outside of school. People from all over the city can be volunteering at the same place as you, whether that be at an animal shelter, blood drive, etc. You’ll bond with the other volunteers, and get to meet some pretty cool people while you’re at it. Plus, it could lead to more opportunities in the future!
3. Talk to people in your classes
When you are in a class and don’t know anybody, befriend the person next to you. Even if y’all never hang out outside of class, you’ll still have somebody that you can reach out to about homework, studying and other class related things. This way you always have someone to talk to in class, too.
4. Go to more events
If it worked freshman year, why can’t it work after? Whether this be fun events like karaoke in the Syndicate, or a networking event for your college, you can find people with similar interests as you. Maybe it’ll become something you do together often!
5. Be social and confident
You are not going to make friends by sitting there and keeping to yourself. You have to be willing to approach others and start off a conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask someone if you can sit with them. Chances are, they are going to say yes. So be open and friendly, and get talking!