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College isn’t just about lectures, essays, and late-night cram sessions — it’s also about building your community. The friendships you make can become your support system, a source of stress relief, and even a professional network down the line.
Why making friends in college matters
These are the people who will celebrate your wins, pull you out of a funk, and keep you grounded during stressful times. They’ll be your study partners before finals, your adventure buddies on spontaneous weekend trips, and possibly your lifelong friends after graduation.
Friendships also have a proven link to mental health. Strong social connections can reduce stress, increase resilience, and even improve academic performance. In other words: the people you hang out with might make you smarter and happier.
Start before you arrive
Making friends doesn’t have to wait until you’re dragging suitcases into your dorm. Many schools set up online communities for incoming students months before classes start.
- Join online groups: Search for Discord servers, GroupMe chats, or Facebook groups for your incoming class. Introduce yourself with your name, major, hometown, and a few fun facts.
- Attend virtual meetups: Colleges often host online Q&As or game nights for admitted students. It’s an easy way to find people with shared interests.
- Slide into DMs (respectfully): If you click with someone online, suggest grabbing coffee once you’re both on campus.
Getting comfortable with a few people ahead of time means you’ll have friendly faces waiting for you on day one.
Orientation week is your golden window
College orientation is like summer camp — everyone’s new, everyone’s curious, and everyone’s low-key hoping to make friends.
- Say yes to activities, even ones that seem random. Capture-the-flag in the quad? Why not.
- Mix up your group: Don’t just stick with the first person you meet. Rotate between different clusters of people.
- Ask easy questions: “Where’s your dorm?” or “How was your move-in?” are great icebreakers.
If you’re shy, remember: literally everyone is in the same situation. You’re not the only one feeling nervous.
Where to meet people on campus
Dorms
Living on campus is like being dropped into a built-in community. Keep your door open when you’re in your room (especially during the first week), hang out in common spaces, and join in on hall traditions.
Attend floor events like pizza nights, game tournaments, or group trips to the dining hall. A friendly “Hey, want to walk to class together?” can go a long way.
If you’re debating whether to live on campus, check out on-campus vs. off-campus living to weigh the pros and cons.
Clubs and organizations
Joining clubs is like speed-dating for friendships — you meet tons of people who already share your interests.
- Start with one familiar club: something you enjoyed in high school, like theater or soccer.
- Try one new thing: improv comedy, debate, salsa dancing — you never know what will click.
- Show up consistently: friendships grow when people see you regularly.
Most campuses have a club fair early in the semester. Go in with an open mind, and don’t be afraid to put your name on too many email lists.
Classes
Your classes are low-key networking events. Sit next to someone new every few days and chat before class starts — about the professor, the homework, or even your favorite study spot.
Form a study group before midterms sneak up on you. Sometimes, shared academic pain (“That exam was brutal”) is the start of a great friendship.
Campus jobs or volunteering
Working at the student center, library, or coffee shop puts you in contact with students from all over campus. Bonus: you’re getting paid to socialize.
Volunteering can be just as effective — whether it’s tutoring at the writing center, helping at a blood drive, or joining a campus sustainability project.
Campus events
Universities host concerts, outdoor movies, cultural festivals, and guest lectures. Go to as many as your schedule allows.
Pro tip: Bring one friend and make it your mission to meet two more while you’re there.
How to make friends as an…
Introvert
Start small. Join a niche club where deep conversations are easier than loud parties. Pair up with one friend for events instead of going alone.
Give yourself permission to recharge — you’ll be more present when you do socialize.
Transfer student
You’re coming in with a clean slate, but so are other transfers. Seek out transfer student mixers and talk to people in your major.
Don’t be shy about saying, “Hey, I’m new here — mind showing me where the dining hall is?” It’s a genuine, non-awkward opener.
Commuter or online student
If you’re not on campus daily, be intentional about showing up for social events. Arrange study sessions with classmates or plan lunch meetups before or after class.
Join student government or clubs that meet virtually so you can stay connected even when you’re off campus.
Neurodivergent student
Find groups that focus on your interests, whether that’s gaming, robotics, or creative writing. Predictable, interest-based activities can make socializing feel more natural.
Some campuses also have neurodiversity support groups where you can connect with people who get it.
How to maintain friendships throughout college
Friendships aren’t set-and-forget. Life gets busy — assignments pile up, internships happen, schedules shift.
- Check in regularly: Even a quick “How’s your week?” text counts.
- Plan recurring hangouts: Taco Tuesdays, Friday night board games, or Sunday study sessions.
- Celebrate milestones: Birthdays, big exams, job offers.
Also, know that friendships can evolve. Some will last, some will fade — and that’s normal. Keep an open heart for new people, too.
Quick tips and conversation starters
Easy openers: “What’s your major?” “Where’s your favorite spot to eat around here?” “What shows are you binging right now?”
In-the-moment icebreakers: At a club fair: “What’s the coolest club you’ve seen so far?” At an event: “Have you been to one of these before?” In class: “Do you know when the next quiz is?”
Pro tip: Offer something tangible — gum, snacks, or even a phone charger. Small gestures can start big conversations.
Keep your options (and mind) open
The friends you meet in week one might not be your forever crew, and that’s totally fine. College is about exploring — academically, personally, and socially.
Stay curious, say yes to new experiences, and don’t box yourself in too early. Sometimes the best friendships come from unexpected places — like the random person you sat next to at a guest lecture.
While you build your friend network, don’t forget other parts of college life. Explore Scholly Scholarships to fund your studies, and use Scout College Search if you’re still shaping your academic path.
