Not knowing anyone is one of the biggest sources of anxiety for new college students. Making friends is easy to some and difficult for others, but there’s one common factor for first-year college students: Everyone is in the same situation.
The fact is that of the hundreds of new students on campus at Rockhurst each year, the overwhelming majority know only a handful of people – if that – when they start.
By the time you graduate? That’s a different story and there aren’t enough hands.
Nearly every senior says they will miss the people the most – and they wished they “put themselves out there” earlier so they could spend more time with them.
So, how do you make friends in college?
1. Let You Be You
College can be a time to reinvent yourself and is a fresh start, but the simple advice to “be yourself” is still among the best advice to offer. No one knows you better than you, and trying to be someone else will never last long. So give yourself the courage and permission to get out of your dorm room (aka comfort zone) and take advantage of all the ways to meet new people. Know this: They want to get to know you, they just haven’t had the chance yet.
2. Be a Friend to Make a Friend
If your approach to making friends is to make everyone love you, you’re going about it backward. Instead, just be a nice person and willing to be someone else’s friend and the rest always takes care of itself. Everyone has something in common with someone else. See if you can find it.
FAQs on Campus (that are always current): Where are you from? What’s your major? What classes are you taking? Are you involved in anything yet?
3. Give Yourself a Chance – Get Involved and Be Active
It’s worth repeating: Step out of your comfort zone. Rockhurst has one of the most active campuses in the region when it comes to campus organizations, clubs, and activities. From Welcome Week and Orientation to Freshman Retreat and the 70-ish organizations on campus, there’s something for everyone who wants to get involved. Check out the Free Stuff Fair during the first few days of classes to see the dozens of opportunities out there. Sign up for whatever you’re even a little interested in. You can always decide which ones you want to do later.
Best places to meet people: Campus events (download Guidebook for details), organizations, classes, dorms, hangouts, places to eat (try to always find someone to eat with), the MAC (gym), the Rock Room, campus jobs, intramurals, attending games, Campus Ministry, service projects, social justice initiatives, study groups, Fraternities & Sororities, etc.
4. Connect on Social Media
It’s easy to find others in your class – even before the year begins – on Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, etc. There are official and unofficial accounts for the University, student groups, departments, and incoming classes. Like and follow.
5. Stay Patient
You’re not going to find your best friend in college on the first day (although it’s happened). Stay patient, stay present, and you’ll eventually find your people. They’re here.
