Going to college is a whirlwind of a time both socially, emotionally, and mentally. Change is constant and unstoppable, and you’ll find yourself having to quickly adjust to completely new surroundings. Whether you’re living on campus or commuting, it’s an all-new experience for college freshmen.
My first year of college wasn’t exactly the best— I entered my freshmen year in the fall of 2020, which was when COVID-19 was at one of its peaks. I had little to no in-person classes and it was extremely hard to meet new people this way. I felt like my college experience was starting to waste away until my second semester that same year. I began to motivate myself to become more involved and take initiative to put myself out there. Thankfully, I had a much better semester and an even better sophomore year. It can be difficult to navigate how to make the most out of your college experience, or where to even begin. These are some things that really helped get me out of my shell and involved around campus:
- Join Student Organizations
It seems cliche, but it’s so very true. Joining clubs or other student organizations around campus makes the biggest difference. It’s the easiest way to get invested in something you’re interested in while potentially meeting and making new friends with the same interests! I did not join as many organizations my first semester, but really jumped in headfirst with it my second semester and sophomore year. I’m so glad I did because it truly helped me so much. Clubs and organizations give you something to do in your free time while also meeting other like-minded peers.
2. Look for service opportunities
This one somewhat goes hand in hand with the above statement, but it’s important no less! There are usually volunteer opportunities around campus that can be an easy way to give back to the community while working closely with other students. Most of the time, these opportunities are interwoven with clubs/organizations, so be sure to keep an eye on those that interest you
3. Talk to the people in your major
Making friends within your major is a huge step into establishing meaningful connections around campus. Most of the time, you’ll end up having several or all of your classes with those that share the same major. You can organize study sessions or just hang out outside of your classes. Although approaching your classmates/peers can be daunting, it can help you get to know the people that share the same major while also making a new friend
4. Attend events around campus
Attending events is one of my favorite aspects of college life since it gives students an opportunity to relax while also having fun with their friends. Although it can be hard to motivate yourself to actually go, try to attend a few every semester. It can be a great way to introduce yourself to other people while also learning or experiencing something new at an event
5. Get an on-campus job
There are always plenty of job opportunities around college campuses and this is typically more suitable since on-campus jobs are worked around student schedules, so time conflicts with classes are rarely an issue. Getting an on-campus job can help you make friends with those that work alongside you while also making some extra money.