College is an exciting adventure. Maybe you’re traveling far from home to a different city, away from all you’ve known, and learning to become comfortable in a new environment. Even if you are attending college closer to home or within your state, it is a fresh chapter with exciting opportunities to make new friends. 

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Before beginning my first year of college at UMass, I was nervous about making friends and meeting new people. Especially as an out-of-state student, I felt like I would be on my own, and it would be hard to make connections. Yet, I quickly realized that distance from home did not matter and that everyone was as eager as I was to make friends. Never forget that everyone is in the same boat! 

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They say that many of the friends you make in college become some of your strongest and closest life-long friendship, and I completely agree. I have bonded so closely with the friends I have made only in my first semester here at UMass. These are people I eat dinner with every night at the dining hall, study for exams, and then celebrate on the weekends with. We have movie nights and go to hockey games together; I mean, we basically live together. As you enter this new chapter of your life, remember that everyone is going through it together and that will only make the friendships you make stronger. 

That being said, it can still be nerve-wracking and awkward to put yourself out there, especially if you are not extroverted by nature. I have gathered a few helpful tips from my own experiences that will hopefully help you navigate the nervousness of finding friends in college.

Never say “no”

In your first few weeks of college, there is no reason to say “No.” Do not say “no” to going to get dinner with some people you met on your floor or studying after class with a new friend. Do not say “no” to taking the slightly harder class that looks interesting or to joining the club you’ve had your eye on. Push yourself and say “yes” to all opportunities that will expand your horizons and open new doors.

Join an on-campus club

Joining a club or organization on-campus might be the single best way to make friends and meet new people. I joined Best Buddies, a special-needs inclusion and diversity awareness club that welcomes all, no matter what their abilities may be. Best Buddies holds regular meetings and events where I have been able to connect with so many more people I would have never been lucky enough to meet if I had not joined. 

Go to on-campus events (even if they seem silly)

As a first-year student, truly take advantage of on-campus events. Whether it be a fun dorm activity led by your RAs, catching a UMass sporting event, or attending one of the many events hosted at the Student Union to encourage campus involvement, it is a great way to make some new friends and have a little fun.

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Get an on-campus job

Getting an on-campus job is a total win-win. Not only will you stay involved and active around campus, but you will also make a little bit of money. There are always businesses around campus looking for employees, and there is a job for everyone. 

Talk to your neighbors 

Living at college is like a long-term sleep-away camp; in a dorm building, you are surrounded by people looking to make friends, just like you. Make an effort to reach out to the people living on your floor, it is a perfect opportunity to make friends that could be just next door.

Be yourself

As cliché as it might sound, be yourself. College is the chance to make friends who love you for you and who you can truly be yourself around.