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What's the best way to make friends in college?

I am asking because I want to make good connections in college with the right people. #friends #networking #network

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Kabeer’s Answer

  • Join some clubs that you are passionate about
  • Participate in social events
  • Help someone
  • Lead something that you believe in
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James Constantine’s Answer

Dear Yenna,

Thriving Socially in College: Your Blueprint for Building Meaningful Friendships

As you step into the exciting world of college, you're presented with a golden opportunity to create new bonds and broaden your social circle. Cultivating friendships during this phase is instrumental for personal growth, academic success, and establishing lasting networks. Here's a practical guide with tested techniques to assist you in forging effective friendships in college.

Join Campus Clubs: Participating in campus clubs that align with your interests is an excellent strategy to connect with like-minded individuals. A research article in the Journal of College Student Psychology demonstrated that students involved in campus clubs enjoyed greater social integration and satisfaction with their college experience (Grossman & Salisbury, 2011). To find clubs that resonate with your interests, visit your school's student activities office or explore their website.

Attend Social Events: Universities host a range of social events throughout the year, such as mixers, parties, and cultural festivals. These occasions are ideal for meeting new people and nurturing relationships outside the academic environment. A study in the Journal of Social Psychology found that attending social events positively impacted friendship formation in the first college year (Bukowski et al., 2007). Embrace these events with an adventurous spirit and openness to new experiences.

Engage in Class Discussions: Actively participating in class discussions enhances your learning and allows you to connect more deeply with your peers. A study in the Journal of Research in Personality showed that students who regularly engaged in class discussions reported increased friendship formation (Furman & Bukowski, 1998). Aim to contribute constructively to class discussions and engage with your classmates' perspectives.

Volunteer: Volunteering offers a rewarding way to give back to your community and meet individuals who share your values and interests. A study in the Journal of College Student Psychology found that volunteering positively impacted social integration and academic success in the first college year (Eyler et al., 2006). Look for volunteer opportunities on campus or in your local community through organizations like Habitat for Humanity or AmeriCorps.

Utilize Technology: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can be powerful tools for connecting with fellow students. Joining college-specific groups or following student organizations can help you connect with individuals with similar interests (Krasnova et al., 2013). However, ensure you use technology wisely and don't let it substitute face-to-face interactions.

Be Open-Minded: Maintaining an open mind and being approachable are crucial when developing friendships in college. Practice active listening and show genuine interest in learning more about others (Cialdini & Trost, 1998). Understand that everyone brings unique experiences and perspectives to the table, which can enrich both your life and theirs.

In conclusion, while building friendships in college requires effort, it can lead to rewarding relationships that endure. By engaging in campus clubs, attending social events, participating in class discussions, volunteering, utilizing technology, and maintaining an open mind, you'll enhance your chances of creating meaningful connections during this exhilarating phase of your life.

God Bless You,
JC.
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Mitchell’s Answer

Hi Yenna,

If you decide to live on campus, your roommates can become great friends. It is also a great idea to attend the fun events that the school will put on. Try to find the events you are passionate about!
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Christopher’s Answer

I would focus on participating in class, engaging other students directly and volunteer for projects. You need to meet and work with a volume of people, but they're not all going to be helpful or supportive. As you interact with these contacts, you will be able to form useful relationships with the ones that have common values and goals.
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Nicole’s Answer

Get a part-time job at a local restaurant or bar. Find a fun atmosphere with people your age. You’ll meet some fun people and make a few extra bucks.
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Bjanka’s Answer

Hi Yenna
Here a few tips on how to make friends in college
Research the school you are going to find activities that you would be interested to join outside of class, intramural sports, comedy clubs, volunteering events..etc
Focus/ study groups through different assignment
Roommates can help you meet new people
You can make friends if you work part time
Be open to opportunities and get engaged
Take advantage of different professional development in college
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Simeon’s Answer

It so happens that making connections with people you have the best chemistry with is the best approach for networking. Yes, you want to make sure you that you network with people that are going into the same field/industry as you, but those connections won't do you much good unless ya'll would be excited to work together in the future. Plus, join groups that you are actually interested in and you will make it more likely you can network by being a part of the club's leadership as well.
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NICOLE’s Answer

I would recommend attending fun events and activities outside of classes on campus as well as seeing what groups/clubs the college offers for you to either check out some of their meetings and/or join. Meeting other students in these environments would make things natural for you to meet people who may have similar interests.
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Sheila’s Answer

Hi Yenna:

Making friends in college can be tough to do but, it doesn't have to be. In my first two years of college I lived on-campus and the later two off-campus. Throughout college, I did have a full-time job where I worked in the evenings. I made many friendships at work. On campus I developed friendships with my roommates and other circles. Here are a few of my tips for your consideration.

• If you live on campus get to know your roommate
• Have coffee or dine with people in your class
• Participate in school events
•Join organizations and clubs
• Volunteer
• Work part-time

Best of luck to you. Now go make friends!👧🏽 👩🏽 🧑🏽

~ Sheila
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Geetha’s Answer

You could try joining a club or a sport of some kind, that's an easy way to start talking to people in that area of interest. If you can't do either of those things, look around. Have you read the book you see another person reading? Is your favourite snack also being eaten by someone else? Making friends is unusually hard sometimes, but even just a "Hi I'm -blank,- what's your name?" is a great place to start. Maybe make a list of topics you could discuss with people you want to make friends with? See if they're in any extracurricular activities, or what their major and minor is, do/did they have pets? Are they into a television show, or a type of music? Hopefully you'll be able to find something in common, and be able to work off that.
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Basil’s Answer

Hello Yenna,

I've found some of my closest friends through joining student groups that I truly care about! It's important to surround yourself with genuinely kind-hearted individuals who always have your best interests at heart. Seek out those who are sincerely honest, both with you and with themselves.
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Nikhil’s Answer

Choosing the "correct" friends at college is more important than choosing friends in college. Because College is something where most of our career starts. So friends are the one who helps or guides us in achieving our goals and helps us in taking major decisions in our lives. I am saying this is because I experienced it.
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Kevyn’s Answer

Join clubs/ organizations. Volunteer at different events and get to know the people who are there. Don't be afraid to go up to anyone unfamiliar. Also, if you see anyone by themselves go up to them. Get to know them a bit. Maybe a friendship will flourish.

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Brady’s Answer

Most importantly be yourself! Schools hold a variety of events where students can get involved. If you are into sports or physical fitness, try signing up for intramural team sports or a work out class, even if you register by yourself! You might see someone from class, and can start up a conversation from that. Roommates (and even the other people who live on your floor) sometimes end up being the best friends yuo'l have over your time in college. Don't turn yourself off to a new friend, especially during your first two years. Most importantly just have confidence in yourself and in what your interests/hobbies are and you will meet people with similar interests over time!
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