Making Friends
I’m really struggling to find genuine friendships right now. It’s the second semester of my freshman year, and while I made a lot of acquaintances last semester, only a few have stuck around. I have three close friends, one of whom is my boyfriend, and a handful of classmates I chat with, but it feels like I’m back at square one. With warmer weather and everyone outside enjoying time with their friends, I can’t help but feel incredibly lonely. I just really want to connect with others and find my place, but it seems like everyone else has already formed their friend groups. I’m feeling pretty miserable about it—any advice on how to make new friends would be really appreciated.
I’m really sorry to hear that you’re feeling this way. College can be such a whirlwind, and it’s completely normal to go through phases where it feels like everyone has their groups while you’re still searching for your place. Here are a few ideas that might help you make new friends:
Join Clubs or Activities: Look for clubs or organizations related to your interests or hobbies. This is a great way to meet people who share your passions and might lead to more meaningful connections.
Attend Campus Events: Check out events happening on campus, like study groups, social gatherings, or even simple hangouts. These are often designed to bring people together, making it easier to strike up conversations.
Reach Out to Classmates: Since you have a few friends in your classes, try to connect with them outside of class. Maybe suggest forming a study group or grabbing coffee after class.
Use Social Media: There are often Facebook groups or other online platforms for students in your college. Consider joining those and engaging in discussions to find like-minded individuals.
Be Open and Approachable: Sometimes, a smile or a friendly hello can lead to a conversation. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people you see regularly.
Rekindle Old Connections: If there are acquaintances from your first semester that you connected with, reach out to them. They might be feeling the same way you are!
Be Patient with Yourself: Building friendships takes time, and it’s okay to feel lonely sometimes. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Remember, many others might be feeling the same way, even if it doesn’t seem like it. You’re definitely not alone in this! Keep putting yourself out there, and over time, you’ll find your group. Best of luck!