Building connections with your classmates can be a challenging yet rewarding process. The practice may seem intimidating at first, but establishing relationships with those around you can help you feel supported and boost your sense of belonging.
Still, it’s not uncommon to feel lonely during the school year. In fact, a survey from the American College Health Association found that 63.1% of students felt lonely within the previous twelve months. Signs you may be feeling lonely include:
Feeling isolated
Low self-esteem
Feeling tired even if you’re getting plenty of sleep
Feeling empty or unwanted
Making friends on a new campus or online can be challenging, especially if you don’t have any prior connections. However, building friendships takes practice, just like any other skill. Explore some of the tips below to give your social life a boost.
Introduce yourself. This step may seem simple, but it takes a lot of courage. Introducing yourself to those around you is the first step towards making connections. A simple “Hi, what’s your name?” is a great start.
Start or join a group. Most schools offer plenty of opportunities to join clubs, sports and more. See what’s available, or start your own group. It doesn’t have to be a school-related activity, either. Consider creating a group around hobbies such as role-playing games, crafts, sports and video games.
Create a list of conversation starters. Conversing with someone you just met can be difficult and sometimes awkward. Try creating a mental list of topics to bring up when the conversation lulls. This could include asking about their major, what they do for fun, where they’re from or their unpopular opinion.
Look for common interests. Finding common ground with someone makes getting to know them easier. Ask about interests or beliefs early on to spark deep and enjoyable conversations.
Establish an outside routine. Another way to make friends on campus is to study outside your living space, like at a coffee shop or campus library. Surrounding yourself with people increases your chances of meeting them with little effort.
Get a job. Working on or near campus can help you get to know your classmates and others who live there. Try scouting out potential jobs to see if the employees are around your age to heighten your chances of becoming friends.
Finally, school brings various challenges. If you feel you need support, exploring your school’s counseling options is a great place to start.
