One of the best ways to meet new people on campus is to get involved. Often, the key to getting involved includes stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences and friends you might not have met otherwise. No matter where you are in your academic journey, here are three ways to make new friends.
Explore ways to get involved
Are you looking to explore more hobbies and interests? Are you looking for experiences to add to your résumé? The answers to these questions can help you decide what “getting involved” looks like for you. By doing things you like, you’ll be able to meet people that have the same interests as you.
If you’d like to explore hobbies and interests, check out the hundred of student organizations through BuffConnect. If you are looking for experience, consider a part-time job on campus where you’ll not only add to your resume, but meet other students along the way.
Getting involved looks different for everyone, and doesn’t always have to include a long-term commitment to a group or job. If you feel like you don’t have time right now to commit, there are still ways to get involved through campus events. Attending events allows you to connect with others and gain new experiences.
Try new things
Even though the semester will look different, it doesn’t mean the opportunities to meet new people are gone.
One way to get started is by trying something you’ve never done before. Did you know the Rec Center has a rock climbing wall? Why not ask your roommate to go try it out with you? Or try your hand at a live guided painting class? You can even invite people you meet in your classes to try a new activity during Wellness Wednesdays. The important thing is to try to step outside of your comfort zone and do things you might not have thought of doing before, and if you can convince someone else to do it with you, even better.
There will be a variety of things for you to be a part of this semester, check out the Fall Events website to find more events for you. Trying new things can lead to awesome experiences and many new friendships.
Make the first move
When it comes to forming new friendships, putting yourself out there can be scary. For many people, it’s common to feel nervous about initiating social plans. However, you can use this to your advantage. One strategy to try this semester is to commit to making the first move.
Be the first to introduce yourself when meeting someone new, or be the one to say hello on that chat in Zoom. If you take on the responsibility of breaking the ice, it can help pave the way for new friendships. Here are a few places you can start to connect with others:
- In the classroom. Whether you are taking in-person classes, remote or a combination of both, there will be other students around. Set up a virtual study group with classmates.
- In your residence hall. If you are in a cohort, make it a goal to connect with someone new every day. You never know what you might have in common with your neighbors.
- In the organizations you join. Whether you are volunteering, working or part of an organization, there are other students that have similar interests as you. Connect on other hobbies or passions you have and be open to exploring more!
- Outside while physically distancing. If you’re on campus for a quick break, you can easily start a conversation with someone who is 6 feet away from you. Start by talking about the awkwardness of meeting new people in these strange times!
It might take some effort to get out of your comfort zone, but it can lead to new experiences and a wider social circle.
Want to know about more ways to meet friends? Go to the Student Affairs website for additional opportunities and follow us on social media @CUBoulderLife on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
