Starting college and staring at a sea of unfamiliar faces? You’re not alone. That pit-in-your-stomach feeling when you walk into the dining hall solo is basically a college rite of passage.
What most students don’t realize is that everyone feels awkward at first. Even that super confident person who seems to know everyone already probably spent their first week eating cereal for dinner in their dorm room, just like you. If your current goal is to meet new people, take a deep breath and read through our simple pointers on how to make friends in college!
Talk to People in Your Classes
Your classes are one of the best times to create new friends. You’re already sitting next to these people for hours each week—might as well make the most of it!
If you need help breaking the ice as you learn how to make friends in college, try the classic “Did you understand what the professor meant by…” approach. It’s natural, helpful, and gives you an instant conversation starter. Plus, study groups naturally form from these casual conversations.
If that sounds too complicated, don’t overthink it—a simple “Hey, I’m [your name]” goes a long way. Most people are just as open to making friends in college as you are, and all you need to do is start the conversation!
Join Clubs & Other Extracurriculars
Everyone says “join clubs,” but here’s the real advice: pick something you actually care about. Forcing yourself into activities just to meet people usually backfires.
Love baking? Join the baking club. Obsessed with true crime podcasts? There’s probably a club for that, too. Are you more the tabletop RPG type? There’s definitely a D&D club. When you’re genuinely interested in the activity, any conversation will flow naturally.
Or, if you’re more athletic, look into intramural sports and running and hiking groups. Whatever you’re interested in is sure to have some sort of activity you can join. We recommend starting with one or two activities max and going consistently.
Be Yourself and Embrace the Awkwardness
This might sound cheesy, but authenticity really does win every time. Trying to be someone you’re not is exhausting, and it isn’t how to make friends in college.
If you’re true to yourself, you’ll create fun and happy moments to look back on. Laugh about the time you got lost trying to find the library, or when you accidentally called your professor “mom.” These shared embarrassing moments often become inside jokes with new friends. Remember, everyone’s figuring it out as they go.
Tips for the Introverts
If small talk makes you want to hide in your dorm room, you just need a different strategy. Look for smaller group activities or one-on-one opportunities. Volunteering, tutoring, or joining academic clubs often attracts more thoughtful, conversation-focused people.
You can also use your listening skills as a superpower. Ask questions about what others are passionate about. People love talking about their interests, and you’ll learn fascinating things about your classmates.
Online communities for your college can be great starting points, too. Many schools have Facebook groups or Discord servers where you can chat before meeting in person.
Give It Time
Friendships don’t happen overnight, despite what movies and Netflix suggest. It takes a little more time to learn how to make friends in college.
That person you clicked with in orientation might become your best friend, or you might realize you have nothing in common after a few conversations. Both outcomes are completely normal. Be patient with yourself and others, and you’ll find your people.
Don’t Be Afraid to Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
Making new friends takes effort, and sometimes that means stepping out of your comfort zone. This could mean striking up a conversation with someone you don’t know or attending events alone. Everyone else is likely feeling just as nervous about making friends in college as you are, so don’t be afraid to take the first step!
Your Home Base Makes a Difference
Here’s something most friendship advice doesn’t mention: where you live impacts your social life. Having a comfortable, welcoming space that’s close to campus events makes it easier to invite people over and build deeper connections. Plus, if you room with someone you don’t know, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know them and potentially become friends!
Ready to Find Your Perfect College Home at Wharton Rentals?
Are you interested in off-campus housing? Wharton Rentals offers amazing properties right in the heart of Athens, Ohio, perfect for creating those unforgettable college memories as you learn how to make friends in college.
From cozy apartments perfect for intimate study sessions to larger houses ideal for game nights and group hangouts, we’ve got spaces that naturally bring people together. Check out our available properties and find your perfect college home base.
