Column by Cameo Cedarleaf
cedarleafc@findlay.edu
Making friends during freshman year can be hard to do, especially with managing the stress of new classes and leaving your family, friends, and hometown. Here is the truth: it’s completely normal to feel like you’re starting over socially after freshman year. The good news is you are not alone. It’s possible to find meaningful connections, it might just take more effort.
Here are three tips to making friends your freshman year of college:
Tip One: Attend Orientation Events
Most schools offer orientation activities to help students meet each other; don’t skip them. These events are designed to connect freshmen. Even though it might seem awkward at first, you may meet people who end up being close friends. At the University of Findlay, orientation is four days (Thursday through Sunday) and designed for new students to adjust to the campus life, move their belongings into their dorm, and have fun meeting new people. This is a great opportunity to meet people before the stress of classwork kicks in.
Tip Two: Join Something New
The University of Findlay has a variety of clubs and organizations that you can be a part of. Some of these clubs and organizations are major-specific, while others are based on interests and hobbies. UF also has a variety of sorority and fraternities that students can be a part of. Some of the clubs and organizations offered on campus include Black Student Union (BSU), Kappa Delta Pi, Students Teaching Respect for Individuals with Disabilities (STRIDE), Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), Wilderness Club, UF Divers Club, and Ohio Student Educator Association (UFOSEA). Being a member of these organizations and clubs can help you meet people with similar interest or major. Here, you can find your new study buddy or volunteer companion. Clubs and organizations also look good on resumes for job applications in the future.
Tip three: Be Patience with Yourself (and Others, too!)
Making friends in college isn’t something that happens overnight. It takes time to build genuine connections, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t find your people right away. Keep putting yourself out there and be patient with yourself. Most students are just as eager to make friends as you are. You’re not doing anything wrong just because your friendships don’t fall into place immediately. College is a huge adjustment emotionally, socially, and mentally. Giving yourself grace allows you to stay open to connection without the pressure to rush it. Being open and approachable can help with the process. Small gesture like smiling, saying “hi,” or just being open to casual conversations can make a big difference. People are often hesitant to approach someone who looks closed off, so try to appear welcoming and approachable. A simple “How’s your day going?” or complimenting someone’s shirt can spark a conversation.
