I am very worried about making friends in college. I will be living at home freshman year, though I will probably spend most of my free time on campus. I would say that I’m a reserved person. I generally have made my high school friends 1) through other friends or 2) because the other person was talkative and approached me first. Being friendless in university would obviously have so many negative effects on my health, happiness, and schoolwork. I think I come off as a nice but timid person. I’m not incredibly attractive or incredibly unattractive, so I don’t think I’d have people flocking to me or intentionally staying far from me. I’m also gay, which makes me feel even more ostracized. I haven’t decided my college yet, but I might go to an out-of-state college, so I wouldn’t know a single soul there. What can I do to make friends within the first few weeks of the semester?
Unfortunately I have learned that if you wait for this, you’ll barely meet anyone.
If your school has a gym you could spend some time there, get to know a few regulars and join an intramural team.
Hi, at first it will be a little awkward to make an approach to anyone but if you learn to smile, eventually they will be more comfortable with you and can make the first move. Try to join organizations also. I’m sure, the school has some offers about it.
When it comes time to making housing decisions for the fall, if the college you attend has any dorms that are NOT set up as suites, then pick those dorms. I’m talking about dorms that have a bathroom down the hall. And when you’re buying stuff for your room this summer, spend a couple of bucks on a cheap door stop. When you are in your dorm room, leave the door open.
And bring a small set of tools with you…screw drivers and stuff like that. Word will spread that you’re the one with the open door and the tools and you will find it really easy to strike up a conversation with people and friendships will naturally spring up out of that.