Not everyone has an easy time making friends at college.
Everyone always says that college is the place to make lifelong friendships. But somehow freshman year has come and gone and you're still struggling to meet the right people. If you are shy or not quite sure of yourself, college can be a lonely experience. But just because it is taking a while for you to hit your social stride, doesn't mean you should stop trying. That special group or person is still out there -- you just have to know where to look.
Instructions
1. Break out of your comfort zone. By your sophomore year you probably have a handful of places you frequent -- a particular dining hall or corner of the library where you go to study. Shake up your routine a bit -- try that dining hall across campus or join a study group instead of going solo.
2. Join a campus group. A good way to make friends is to think about what you love doing and then seek out others with the same interests. If you spent your freshman year holed up in your dorm or trying to connect with the same few people, it might be time to broaden your social horizons. If you aren't sure where your interests lie yet, try a variety of activities to meet as many different type of people as possible.
3. Listen to others. Show people you are interested in them by listening to what they have to say. People like feeling heard, and will often gravitate to those who have good listening skills.
4. Work on your social skills. If you are still struggling with friendships after an entire year at school, there may be a reason. In their book, "Beating the College Blues." Paul A. Grayson, Ph.D., and Philip W. Meilman, Ph.D., say you should ask a friend or family member how you come across in social situations. Maybe you seem defensive or withdrawn when meeting new people. If your social skills are lacking, talk to a counselor about ways to improve your interactions with others.
5. Talk to people. If making friends is difficult for you, chances are you spend time waiting for others to make the first move. That may work during those first few chummy weeks of freshman year, but people are less likely to make an effort to forge new friendships by the time sophomore year rolls around. So take it upon yourself to talk to as many new people as you can every day -- if nothing else, it will help you brush up on your social skills.
Tags: your social, freshman year, social skills, your social skills, dining hall, making friends