Making friends isn’t easy, much less whenever clubs overall are very cliquey, and add to that, most people already have established social circles, which makes it all the more difficult to weasel your way into a friendship with someone. Even considering Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs, social needs rank among the most important. It isn’t hopeless though. Having just resumed school last semester, after a very long hiatus, without knowing anyone, I’ve picked up on a thing or two about the art. (As for the girl, that lies outside my area of experience – lol).
You want to put yourself into an opportunity where you can meet others and maximize your exposure to potential friends. Most people at my school seem to limit themselves to one seat in a classroom, and when they’re dissatisfied with the people around them, still don’t move because people tend to sit in the same spot every class. Move around! Circulate! The more people you meet, the better. Don’t be shy in initiating a conversation with someone, even though the first thing you say is often the most awkward. Just be able to discern whether a person is disinterested.
Try taking classes that involve interaction. A communication class, for example. Clubs, however, I’m afraid aren’t all that they’re made out to be. Mostly people know each other and making chemistry with people who already are friends is hard as heck.
Another thing I learned is that people are creatures of routine. Often people study in the same spots during certain times of the week, or eat at the same cafe, etc. Don’t be shy in attempting to initiate a conversation. Again, if they give brief responses, bugger off and leave them be. I’ve made some of my friends that way.
If you’re taking a math class that is difficult, ask someone in class if they want to study together for the upcoming test. If you already have some kind of rapport with the person (you’ve exchanged notes, talk sometimes, have some degree of friendly attraction), it won’t be too much of a stretch to socialize under the pretext of a common goal.
Try to keep the focus on the other person in a conversation. People love that stuff, man. Given the opportunity, total strangers will ditch their problems on you. I’ve met people before, and they start going on and on about their financial aid problems, some woman talked about how kid’s teacher won’t respond and she doesn’t have reliable transportation.
Remember, also, that smile and a confidence goes a long way in making friends.
This may all seem like stupid balderdash, and probably not what you were looking for in terms of advice, but if your bro is having troubles with friends, these are just a few tips. Experiment, find your own ways of doing stuff, go with the flow, and knowing how to read people is a dynamite combo in the way of making friendships.
Good luck!!! 