College Crunch

One of the worst things about starting school can be trying to make friends, even if you are really good at meeting new people, cliques are quickly formed and then it can feel next to impossible to get into a group of peers.

The thing that so many people forget is that everyone is looking to create their groups quickly so that they can feel safe within them, and so even if you are timid and shy, finding a person that isn’t can help bring you into a larger group of people.

Everyone over the first few months struggles to find out where they should be sitting, where they should be hanging out, and who can help them study, have fun and make the most of the College experience. Sometimes though, people come to you and limit your ability to make new friends, but there are some simple things you can do to expand your social circle.

Sit somewhere new
People will usually sit in the same area every day and so one of the best things you can do to meet new people is to move around the lecture hall and introduce yourself to at least one of the two new people you sit with, and if you have a clingy friend who always wants to sit next to you, have them sit one seat over so someone can sit between the two of you, as it will help make the most of your opportunities to meet new people.

Sign up for clubs
Signing up for clubs that allow you to either get interested in something new or explore your interest further in something you already do is a great way to meet people. Sometimes school can feel like there is too much work to do, and that pressure doesn’t go away, but being in a club can help you enjoy school which can reduce your feelings of stress.

Go out and party
No matter how busy you are, there should always be an hour each week to unwind, have a bit of fun and party. Find out which bars, pubs, or clubs people go to and check them out. This is especially useful if you find out where those in your program are heading, as socializing can be easier outside of the school environment, especially if you enjoy yourself.

Study group
While not strictly for socializing, a study group can be a great way to meet new people. I sought out people smarter than myself with a similar work ethic and coordinated a time and place to meet up and go over concepts before tests, and made more than a few friends.

Conclusion
Sometimes it will be easier than others to meet new people, and if you are attending a school where you already have a friend, it can be easier as you’ll both be able to bring new people into your social circle. If you are one of those that doesn’t usually make friends easily, try to remember that sometimes it only takes making one friend to be able to gain entrance into a larger circle of friends, so put yourself out there. What’s the worst that can happen?