It’s finally the university’s move-in weekend, and the campus is bustling with excitement. Starting university can be a time full of growth, anxiety, adventures and meeting new people. However, if you are already moved in at an off-campus apartment or still living at home, you might start to wonder how you will make friends if you are not living in residence. I can assure you that you are not the only one in this situation and that many other students are just as nervous about making friends. Here are some tips to help ease your nerves and make your first year of university the best it can be.
- Talk to People in Your Class
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In all years of university, it is great to have a friend in the same program as you. That friend might be the person sitting right next to you in class. Now, I know it can be intimidating to start talking to someone you don’t know, especially during class. Try approaching the person in a way that is related to the course, – you can always ask them if they understand the material, a specific topic or even a question about the syllabus. Once you have something to talk about, ask them if they want to study for the course together or ask for their number so that you can help each other. You can try this a few times within the first few weeks of the course, as it helps to expand your social network to include various individuals.
- Common Areas are Your Best Friend
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A great way to meet people and familiarize yourself with your new school is to hang out around campus. Look for locations that are social and have a lot of foot traffic. These locations will be great to meet people as they pass by or sit down beside you. Don’t forget to smile and be yourself. You never know who might pass by, so don’t be shy and introduce yourself to whoever is inviting. Remember that some people are trying to study and might not want to be disturbed. Others might be rushing to get to a class that is on the other side of campus. Whatever happens, don’t get discouraged.
- Join clubs
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One of the easiest ways to make friends, regardless of if you’re living on or off-campus, is by joining clubs. Most universities will hold a “get involved” fair at some point during the first couple of weeks of school. If you are interested in joining a club, you should attend the fair as almost all of the clubs will be there to explain what they’re about and answer questions. Out of the hundreds of clubs, at least one should appeal to you. Make sure you give the club a chance – attend a few meetings and engage in discussions. Some clubs may even be hiring for executive positions, which can be a great way to meet individuals and get involved while at university. The good part about joining a club to make friends is that you are bound to have something in common.
University can be a great place to meet people and create long-lasting friendships. It may take time, but you will find your people regardless of where you are living.