I’m a freshmen and just transferred to the school I’m at this semester. I commute right now, and despite it being more than half way through the semester, I don’t really have friends at this school. Just class buddies, it seems. I joined two or three clubs and socialize in those, but I’m worried to having a friendless college experience. Any tips?
It takes time to make friends. It doesn’t happen overnight. The friends keep changing semester to semester but as you get into the classes for your major you will start having smaller classes with the same group of people. You will have group projects together and get to know each other better.
You mentioned that you just transferred so give it some time. Ask your class buddies to join you for a break for coffee or have lunch together. Participate in activities you truly enjoy and you will meet people with common interests.
We live in a digital age where we connect more online but it is important to develop the skills of having face to face interaction and become comfortable with that. It is a great time to step out of your comfort zone and talk to people you come across. Ask them where they are from and what are they studying. Engage more with people and show them you are interested in learning about them. There will be many scenarios where you will enter a room and not know a single person. You have to become comfortable with mingling with people and talking to those you are meeting for the first time. This will help you when it comes to networking to find a position or internship.
Do you just attend classes and then go home? Spend some time on campus during your day to meet with people and engage in activities.
Agree with above. Just keep doing what you are doing. Meanwhile, consider a part time job at a lively place where other young people work. Or volunteer. Both are excellent ways of meeting people who might not just be associated with college.
I commuted for all of my college career. I did not make one friend at college, but I had a very busy social life with friends from work. I worked at restaurants, clothing stores, as an after-school day care counselor, and lot of other jobs. You should cast a wide net.