3 tips to make new friends this semester

There are plenty of opportunities each semester to meet new people on campus—no matter where you are in your academic journey. However you choose to get involved, your interactions at events and through programs may lead to friendships. Here are a few tips for making new friends this year.  

1. Make the first move

One strategy to try this semester is to commit to making the first move. Try to be the first one to introduce yourself when you meet someone new over the next few weeks. Breaking the ice can help pave the way for fun conversations and new friendships.   

Here are a few places where you can try out this strategy:   

Your residence hall or neighborhood 
You never know what you might have in common with your floormates or neighbors! Whether you live on or off campus, make it a goal to connect with someone new each day. Ask them to join you for dinner, walk to class or check out a campus event or an event in your residence hall together. 

Student events  
Events like Buffalo Nites, Free Friday Power Hour, Buffs After Dark and Queer Cheer are great for socializing and getting to know others. Introduce yourself to those around you, ask where they are from and what their favorite class is this semester. 

Extracurricular activities  
Depending on what you do with your time outside of class, there are many other ways to make friends. Consider joining a student organization, working on campus or volunteering. If you meet someone new and hit it off, ask if they want to hang out later.  

2. Find Buffs with similar interests or hobbies

Finding your community can help you feel more comfortable at a large university like CU Boulder. With student organizations, programs and events that are specific to different groups and interests, there are many ways to connect with Buffs around things you have in common.  

Review these options to meet others with similar hobbies and interests. Also, don’t hesitate to try something new! College is a great time to discover new passions and explore your identity. 

3. Give it time

Building friendships can take time but know that you can take small steps each day to find your community. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you pursue friendships:  

• Focus on the positives: When meeting new people, look for things you have in common. This could include personality traits, hobbies, shared experiences or humor. 
• Make time to socialize: Focusing on academics is important, and you can take breaks to attend events and spend time with others.
• Keep trying: It can take time to find friends that you connect with more deeply. It’s OK if you have friends that you only see in class or when you visit the Rec Center at first. These interactions can still be a highlight in your day and might become closer friendships over time.