How to Make Friends Your First Week of College
When we first get to college, everything is a new experience and we’re all just searching for people to experience it with.
If you’re anything like me, you came to Concordia not knowing anyone. This means that you have to start fresh, which can be exciting but also intimidating. Fortunately, there are several ways to connect with people on campus and hopefully make lifelong friends.
Here are five suggestions from someone who was in your shoes freshman year:
1. Clubbies are for life.
OK, maybe not for life, but for sure your Concordia life. The first-year students in your orientation club are the first people you’ll really get to know. You also spend A LOT of time with them throughout the fall semester, so take advantage of that! I didn’t really bond with my clubbies right away because I hung back a lot during orientation. Don’t be me. Chances are there is at least one person in your club who you’ll really gel with.
2. Keep your door open.
The residence halls are teeming with potential friends. If you’re just sitting in your room hanging out or watching Netflix, keep your door open. You’ll be surprised how many people will stop by and say hi.
3. Join one group.
You may think “I don’t have time for extracurriculars or clubs because of school!” Not true. There are so many different clubs and extracurriculars that I guarantee there is one that will work with whatever time commitment you can give. So whether it’s a sport, a music ensemble or one of our other 100+ student orgs, get involved! (P.S. It’s also a great way to connect with upperclassmen.)
4. Initiate
“Why aren’t they inviting me to do stuff?” Just because someone isn’t asking you to hang out doesn’t mean they don’t want to be friends. Chances are, they’re thinking the exact same thing about you! So if there’s a campus event, a football game or a movie you want to see, invite people to go with you. Sometimes you have to take initiative instead of waiting for others to invite you.
5. Dining Services
Anderson Commons is arguably the social hub of campus. If you want to get to know people and make friends, walk in alone every once in awhile and find someone to eat with. This can be intimidating, but if there’s a table of people and you know one of them, ask to eat with them and then introduce yourself to the people you don’t know. It’s as easy as friend-networking. Meet new people through the people you already know.